Cystoid macular edema
(CME) is caused by leakage of fluid into the retina. This leakage
forms cysts in the center of the retina (macula) which can be seen
best with fluorescein angiography (as shown). The leakage is usually
from inflammation which can result from
many conditions, including cataract surgery, lens implantation, retinal
detachment, inflammation in the eye ("uveitis"), diabetic
retinopathy and macular degeneration. The treatment depends on the
cause. CME is most commonly found after cataract surgery. In these
cases eye drops are first tried, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS) and steroids. Thereafter a steroid injection behind
the eye may be tried. Finally vitrectomy surgery may be required to
remove the vitreous gel which may be pulling on the macula causing
inflammation and leakage. It is important to realize that CME can
result even following perfect surgery. In fact, as many as 25% or
so of patients may have CME after cataract surgery. In most cases,
however, the vision is not significantly affected. |
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