Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)

A potential side effect of cataract surgery, diabetes and retinal vascular disease

Condition

In cystoid macular edema (CME), cysts form within the macula and cause swelling in the eye.

Risk factors

The exact cause of cystoid macular edema is unknown. It often develops after cataract surgery. Diabetic retinopathy, uveitis and retinal vascular disease can also trigger CME.

Prevalence

It is estimated that around 8 to 12 percent of cataract patients will develop clinically significant CME after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Diabetes may predispose patients to CME following cataract surgery.

Symptoms

A common symptom of this edema is blurry vision, especially when reading.

Treatment

Treatment of cystoid macular edema may include one or more of the following:

• Corticosteroid drops to decrease swelling

• Steroid injections around the eye to reduce swelling

• Anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling

• Oral anti-inflammatory medicine

• Diuretics to reduce water content in the body

• Surgery to remove excess fluid (vitreous) from the center of the eye (vitrectomy) More than 50 percent of people diagnosed with CME experience significant vision improvement after treatment. Treatment may take up to a year.

Cystoid macular edema

Legal

Site Map