Scleral Fixation of the Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant in Eyes with Severe Iris-Lens Diaphragm Disruption and Recalcitrant CME: The Fluocinolone-Loop-Anchoring Technique (FLAT).

INTRODUCTION: While proven to be an effective treatment for cystoid macular edema (CME) and diabetic macular edema, intravitreal steroid implants (IVSI) may cause undesirable side effects, including steroid-related glaucoma or migration into the anterior chamber in the case of iris-lens diaphragm disruption. Here we present a new surgical technique that allows for the easy implantation and subsequent fixation of the fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant without the risk of migration as a feasible and possibly reversible approach in the treatment of persistent CME in severely damaged eyes. METHODS: In this single-center, prospective off-label, proof of principle, scleral fixation of the fluocinolone implant was performed in two eyes with disrupted anterior-posterior segment border and persistent CME. Both eyes were then followed monthly in accordance to a detailed protocol. RESULTS: The procedure was overall well tolerated without severe side effects. There was no migration of the implant in the anterior chamber in either eye. CONCLUSION: Scleral fixation of the fluocinolone implant proved to be a safe and feasible approach in eyes with persistent CME and disrupted anterior-posterior segment border. This new technique also allows for the possible removal of the implant and may therefore be suitable even for eyes at higher risk for side effects, such as glaucoma.