Late spontaneous dissociation of a fluocinolone acetonide implant (Retisert).

PURPOSE

To describe a case of spontaneous dissociation of a fluocinolone acetonide implant (Retisert) 5 years following implantation.

DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

A patient with chronic uveitis underwent placement of a fluocinolone acetonide implant in the right eye in 2006. The patient's inflammation was well controlled and did not recur, so the device was not replaced.

RESULTS

Five years after implantation, the patient presented with a new complaint of a shadow in his vision. The drug pellet was found to have separated spontaneously from the anchoring strut and was floating in the vitreous. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed with removal of the drug pellet, and the anchoring strut was left in place.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous intraocular dissociation of a fluocinolone acetonide implant (Retisert) can occur years after placement, in the absence of trauma or other risk factors. Surgeons and patients must be aware of this potential complication as the implants age.