Iluvien is an ophthalmic implant used to manage chronic conditions affecting the back of the eye. This small device delivers medication directly to the retina over an extended period, providing a sustained therapeutic effect. It helps control inflammation and fluid buildup.
Understanding Iluvien
Iluvien is a non-bioerodable intravitreal implant containing 0.19 mg of fluocinolone acetonide, a synthetic corticosteroid. Corticosteroids work by inhibiting inflammatory responses in the eye, which helps to reduce swelling and fluid leakage. The implant is designed to release this medication at an initial rate of 0.25 micrograms per day for up to 36 months.
The primary condition Iluvien is approved to treat is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) in patients who have previously received corticosteroids and did not experience a significant increase in intraocular pressure. DME is a complication of diabetes where damaged blood vessels in the retina leak fluid, causing swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Iluvien is also approved for the treatment of chronic non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye. This inflammatory condition can cause significant visual impairment due to swelling and damage to eye tissues.
How Iluvien is Administered
Iluvien is administered by an ophthalmologist as a single injection into the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the back of the eye. The implant itself is tiny, measuring approximately 3.5 mm in length and 0.37 mm in diameter, delivered using a specialized applicator with a 25-gauge needle. The procedure is performed under aseptic conditions, with anesthesia and a broad-spectrum microbicide applied to the eye beforehand.
This continuous delivery helps maintain consistent medication levels in the eye, reducing the need for frequent injections common with other treatments. After the injection, patients may experience temporary blurred vision, and antibiotic eye drops are often recommended to prevent infection.
Important Considerations
Patients receiving Iluvien should be aware of potential side effects, with the most common being increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract formation. Elevated IOP can occur because corticosteroids can affect the eye’s fluid drainage system, and this may sometimes require medication to manage. Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, are another side effect, often requiring surgery.
Rarer but more serious risks associated with intravitreal injections include endophthalmitis (an infection inside the eye), eye inflammation, and retinal detachment. Patient suitability for Iluvien is assessed; it is contraindicated in individuals with active or suspected ocular infections, certain types of glaucoma, or a known hypersensitivity to any of its components. Regular follow-up appointments with an eye care specialist are necessary to monitor for these potential side effects and assess the treatment’s effectiveness over time.