Introduction: A detailed understanding of the anatomical and structural changes occurring in the retina following intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implantation may help improve the management and prognosis of persistent or recurrent diabetic macular edema (DME).
Methods: Overall, 45 eyes (from 35 patients) with refractory center-involved DME received an intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant. They were monitored at baseline and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and the seven retinal parameters used in the classification of diabetic maculopathy recently developed at the European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology (ESASO).
Results: Within 6 months of implantation, significant improvements were evident in BCVA, CFT, maculopathy stage, and the percentage of eyes with: intraretinal cysts; CFT > 30% above the upper normal value; and disrupted or absent ellipsoid zone (EZ) and/or external limiting membrane (ELM). Significant improvements were still maintained at 36 months post-implantation. At month 36, early treatment with the implant (i.e., after < 6 previous intravitreal injections for DME) trended toward being more effective than later treatment in improving BCVA, CFT, maculopathy stage, and the percentage of eyes with CFT > 30% above the upper normal value. However, statistical significance was not achieved.
Conclusion: In persistent or recurrent DME, fluocinolone acetonide implantation can be effective in improving maculopathy stage and reducing the percentage of eyes with: intraretinal cysts; CFT > 30% above the upper normal value; and disrupted or absent EZ and/or ELM. It can also increase BCVA and reduce CFT.
Keywords: Diabetic macular edema < RETINA; diabetic retinopathy < RETINA; pharmacology < PHARMACOLOGY; retina - medical therapies < RETINA; techniques of retinal examination < RETINA.