NICE extends macular oedema treatment options

^{Philip Ashman}

Patients living with macular oedema now have access to another implant treatment option after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended new guidance.

NICE recommended the Iluvien intravitreal implant, manufactured by Alimera Science, as an option for treating visual impairment caused by chronic diabetic macular oedema in eyes with a phakic lens if their condition has not responded well enough to other treatments.

The implant, which was said to offer a lung duration of action and up to three years of stability, was previously only available to patients with a pseudophakic lens.

Philip Ashman, president of international operations at Alimera Sciences, said: ‘We are delighted with the news that Nice has extended the recommendation for Iluvien to include phakic eyes affected by diabetic macular oedema.’