Treatment Outcomes of Intravitreal Aflibercept for Uveitic Macular Edema.

Abstract

Background/aims: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept for UME (uveitic macular).

Methods: A retrospective review of records of patients that received aflibercept for UME from January 2017 to August 2022 was conducted. The primary outcomes were mean change in visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST) 6 and 12 months from the start of aflibercept treatment.

Results: A total of 16 eyes of 12 patients were included. Indications for treatment included eyes that had previously demonstrated a history of elevated intraocular pressure secondary to a steroid response (n = 10) or a history of non-response or partial response to local corticosteroids (n = 6). Fifteen eyes (94%) demonstrated a reduction in CST after their initial injection. At 6-months, mean VA gain was 2.6 ± 7.7 letters (p = 0.24) from a mean VA of 67.8 ± 10.7 letters at baseline and mean CST improved by 97.6 ± 113.5 μm (p = 0.004) from 458.6 ± 123.1 μm at baseline. Fourteen eyes had 12-months of follow up and received a median of 4 injections over 12 visits. The mean VA at 12-months remained stable compared to baseline (mean change of -1.4 ± 12.5 letters (p = 0.87)) while the CST improved by a mean of 90.9 ± 114.6 μm (p = 0.053) compared to baseline.

Conclusion: Intravitreal aflibercept injections resulted in reduced central subfield thickness at all time-points. It appears to be an effective treatment alternative for UME, particularly for patients who are not responsive to local corticosteroids or who have contraindications to corticosteroid treatment.