Safety and effectiveness of the fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (ILUVIEN): 3-year results from the European IRISS registry study

Br J Ophthalmol. 2023 Oct;107(10):1502-1508. doi: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321415. Epub 2022 Jul 15.

Abstract

Background: The ILUVIEN Registry Safety Study was a multicentre, open-label, non-randomised, observational, phase 4 study designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant in all indications in real-world practices in Europe.

Methods: The study included data collected prospectively and retrospectively. Patients receiving FAc implants between 2013 and 2017 were included and monitored until the last patient reached ≥3 years of follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) data over the course of the study, along with IOP events, use of IOP-lowering therapy, mean change in visual acuity (VA) and information on supplemental therapy use were analysed post-FAc implantation.

Results: Six hundred and ninety-five eyes from 556 patients, with a mean±SD follow-up of 1150.5±357.36 days, were treated with a FAc implant. 96.7% of eyes had chronic diabetic macular oedema (cDMO). IOP lowering was achieved in 34.5% of eyes using topical agents and 4.3% by surgery. Seventy-three eyes (64.6% of 113 phakic) required cataract surgery during follow-up. Mean VA increased from a baseline of 52.2 letters to 57.1 letters at month 36, with improvement observed up to month 48. Supplementary therapies were given in 43.7% of eyes. When classified by length of cDMO less than or greater than the median duration those with a shorter history experienced greater VA gains than those with a longer history.

Conclusion: This study confirms the favourable, long-term benefit-to-risk profile of the FAc implant in eyes with cDMO, with an additional benefit in patients when this therapy is administered earlier.

Keywords: inflammation; intraocular pressure; macula; treatment medical; vision.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diabetic Retinopathy*
  • Drug Implants
  • Fluocinolone Acetonide
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Iris
  • Macular Edema* / drug therapy
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Fluocinolone Acetonide
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Drug Implants