Spontaneous Dissociation of Fluocinolone Acetonide Sustained Release Implant (Retisert) with Dislocation into the Anterior Chamber.

PURPOSE

To report two cases of spontaneous Retisert implant dissociation with dislocation of the medication reservoir into the anterior chamber.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Case reports.

RESULTS

Two patients with chronic, noninfectious uveitis following Retisert implantation between 6 and 7 years prior presented with a complaint of a "white spot" in their right eyes. Both patients had previous pars plana vitrectomies. Anterior segment examination revealed a dislocated medication reservoir of the Retisert implant in the inferior portion of anterior chamber with associated reservoir-corneal endothelial touch and stromal edema. The reservoirs were subsequently retrieved via a pars plana approach and removed from the anterior chamber through a corneal incision.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous dissociation of the Retisert implant with dislocation of the medication reservoir into the anterior chamber can be a late complication of Retisert implantation. Eye care professionals and patients should be aware of this complication, particularly with long-term intraocular retention of this device.