Retrospective study evaluates long-term effects of fluocinolone acetonide in diabetic macular edema, suggesting earlier intervention is beneficial.
Key Points
This study aims to assess long-term effects of fluocinolone acetonide implants in diabetic macular edema and the impact of previous anti-VEGF treatment on outcomes.
Retrospective, single-center study including 74 eyes from 47 patients with diabetic macular edema.
Measured best-corrected visual acuity, central retinal thickness, and treatment history over a median follow-up of 40 months.
Statistical testing analyzed changes in clinical outcomes and correlations with prior anti-VEGF exposure.
Fluocinolone acetonide significantly reduced central retinal thickness by a median of 75.5 µm (p<0.001).
Greater reduction in CRT was noted in eyes with fewer than six prior anti-VEGF injections (−93 µm) compared to six or more (−65 µm; p=0.015).
Best-corrected visual acuity improved by +3.95 ETDRS letters overall, with a larger gain of +7.53 letters in less pretreated eyes.