A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of the 0.19 mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant in Non-Infectious Uveitis

Background/Objectives: The fluocinolone acetonide implant (FAI) is an intravitreal corticosteroid implant designed to have a therapeutic effect lasting up to 3 years. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of the FAI (0.19 mg, releasing at 0.2 μg/day) in patients with non-infectious uveitis. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were last searched on 6 September 2024. Studies comparing FAI with sham injections were investigated. The primary outcome was the recurrence of uveitis. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and occurrence of cataracts. Results: Significantly more patients in the FAI group experienced no uveitis recurrence for up to 36 months compared to the sham group, with a relatively lower number of recurrences. Systemic adjuvant therapy was similar between groups, while fewer patients required local rescue injections in the FAI group (95% confidence interval (CI): −2.91 to −1.70). Visual acuity changes and the proportion of eyes with ≥15 letters gain were not significantly different between the groups. More patients needed cataract surgery in the FAI group (95% CI: 0.68–1.96). No differences were observed in IOP change, final IOP, or treatment-requiring events related to an increased IOP. However, more subjects experienced events of IOP > 25 mmHg with the FAI (95% CI: 0.73 to 2.14). Conclusions: The 0.19 mg FAI was effective in preventing uveitis recurrence, and reduced the need for local injections. No significant impacts were noted in terms of systemic therapy, visual improvement, or most IOP-related complications.