IIuvien

What is ILUVIEN?

ILUVIEN is a corticosteroid micro-implant that is injected into the centre of the eyeball, which is known as the vitreous cavity, to help reduce swelling, improve vision, and alleviate eye pain in patients with diabetic macular oedema who have been treated with corticosteroids in the past without having significant increased intraocular pressure.

How does ILUVIEN work?

ILUVIEN contains the biologically active compound fluocinolone acetonide that mimics the action of hormones secreted by your adrenal glands, which have an inhibitory effect on the immune system thereby reducing the signs and symptoms of inflammation within the eye.

Preparation for ILUVIEN Treatment

You must inform your doctor about:

Medications or vitamins you are currently taking as certain medications may interact with ILUVIEN to cause eye problems
Allergies to medications
Health conditions such as uncontrolled hypertension, glaucoma or eye infections

ILUVIEN Treatment Procedure

The ILUVIEN treatment procedure involves the following steps:

You will be seated in a comfortable semi-reclined position in a chair.
Your eye will be cleaned to prevent infection.
Your face and the area around the eye will be draped to maintain sterile conditions.
Pain relieving eye drops will be administered to numb the eye.
A device may be placed to keep your eyelids open.
ILUVIEN is implanted using a special applicator into the white portion of your eyeball which is known as the sclera. It takes 15-20 seconds and most patients feel slight pressure, but no pain during the procedure.
Your eyesight will be assessed after the injection and antibiotic drops may be administered, after which the drapes are removed.

Post-Operative Care after ILUVIEN Treatment

You may be provided with antibiotic eye drops that you should use for 3-4 days to prevent infection.
Avoid swimming or getting water into your eyes for a couple of days after the injection.
There may be slight discomfort, redness, and ‘floaters’ in the eye which will go away after a few days.

Risks of ILUVIEN Treatment

ILUVIEN injections are very safe; however, there is a minimal risk of complications that include:

Eye infection
Increased eye pressure
Bleeding
Cataract formation
Detachment of the retina

Benefits of ILUVIEN Treatment

Timely treatment with ILUVIEN can improve detailed vision making it easier for patients with diabetic macular oedema to read, watch TV, and recognize faces.

There is no need for need for monthly injections as the micro-implant gradually releases the medication for up to 3 years.