Intraocular pressure outcome of patients with fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for noninfectious uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of patients with noninfectious posterior uveitis treated with a fluocinolone acetonide (FA) intravitreal implant over an 8-year period.

DESIGN: Retrospective clinical case series.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty-seven eyes of 35 patients.

METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of all patients receiving FA implants between June 2001 and March 2009 was performed. Data were pooled to record visual acuity (VA) and to characterize the incidence and outcome of glaucoma surgical intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of glaucoma surgery and IOP before and after glaucoma surgical intervention. Visual acuity before and after FA implant placement.

RESULTS: Nineteen of 42 eyes (45%) receiving FA implants over the course of the study period required glaucoma surgical intervention. Success of IOP-lowering surgery was achieved in 94%, 94%, and 92% of eyes at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. No patient lost more than 1 line of VA. There was an average 2-line gain of acuity at 3 years after FA implant placement for those patients who underwent IOP-lowering surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving FA implants have a significant risk of increased IOP that frequently necessitates glaucoma surgery. Glaucoma surgery, when necessary, offers an effective method to decrease IOP.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.