How do you treat cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery?

How do you treat cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery?

Usually vision loss from cystoid macular edema is temporary and responds to treatment with topical anti-inflammatory medications. However, some cases respond poorly to conservative treatment and may develop permanent visual loss.

What causes cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery?

If a patient develops cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery, it is usually due to normal post-operative inflammation causing the blood vessels in the center part of the retina to start to leak. As leakage occurs, the tissues begin to swell, which can lead to blurred or distorted vision.

How long does cystoid macular edema last?

Laser Treatment of Cystoid Macular Edema The major side effect is that some patients actually see the laser spots after the treatment is finished; these usually fade away over the next few weeks. The macular edema may take up to four months to go away.

How serious is cystoid macular edema?

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a devastating complication for patients, especially those with premium IOLs, because CME often results in vision loss. Studies have shown that 12% of patients may have retinal thickening following uncomplicated cataract surgery.

Is there a cure for cystoid macular edema?

Cystoid macular edema usually responds well to treatment, although response may require several months of continuing treatment. In rare cases, cystoid macular edema, and vision loss, persists in spite of all treatment attempts.

How do you reduce cystoid macular edema?

Ophthalmologists may also inject the eye with medications in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- inhibitor class of drugs or perform a laser procedure to eliminate the macular edema. Also, diuretics, such as acetazolamide (Diamox), may help to reduce the swelling in certain cases.

Is cystoid macular edema serious?

Cystoid macular edema may occur despite perfect surgery without any complications. CME may also occur as a result of inflammation inside the eye.

Is macular edema permanent?

Macular edema rarely causes a permanent loss of vision and can usually be easily treated, but the recovery is often a slow, gradual process. Though the condition is typically not considered serious, it can be a sign or symptom of a more serious health problem that may need to be addressed.

Can a cystoid macular edema cause reduced vision?

Abstract Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a primary cause of reduced vision following both cataract and successful vitreoretinal surgery. The incidence of clinical CME following modern cataract surgery is 0.1-2.35%.

What causes macular edema after cataract surgery?

Cystoid macular edema. Insidious CME. Cystoid macular edema is the most common cause of decreased vision in patients following cataract surgery, occurring much more frequently than either retinal detachment or endophthalmitis. Although CME was clinically recognized and described over 50 years ago, much remains unknown about it.

When to use perioperative care for cystoid macular edema?

It is vital to tailor perioperative care to a patient’s condition and the presence of additional risk factors.

Can a NSAID be used to reduce postoperative macular edema?

The use of an NSAID to reduce postoperative macular edema is just another surgical tool to improve outcomes. In fact, it is fair to ask: Why implant a high-technology IOL if you are not also going to take the steps to preserve the macula so that the patient retains the physiological capacity to appreciate the image the lens can produce?”