Cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery Save
ICD-10 code: H59.03
Chapter: Diseases of the eye and adnexia
Cystoid Macular Edema Following Cataract Surgery: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed around the world. It is a relatively safe and effective procedure that aims to restore vision by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one. However, like any surgery, there are risks associated with it, and one of the most common complications is cystoid macular edema (CME).
CME is a condition that causes swelling in the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It occurs when the blood vessels in the macula leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, causing it to swell. CME can occur after any type of surgery, but it is particularly common following cataract surgery.
Causes of Cystoid Macular Edema Following Cataract Surgery
The exact cause of CME following cataract surgery is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the inflammation that occurs after surgery. Inflammation is a natural response to injury, and it helps the body to heal. However, in some cases, the inflammation can become excessive, leading to the development of CME.
Other risk factors for CME following cataract surgery include diabetes, age, and a history of uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye).
Symptoms of Cystoid Macular Edema Following Cataract Surgery
The symptoms of CME following cataract surgery can vary from person to person, but they typically include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or doing close work, and seeing dark spots or lines in the visual field. These symptoms usually develop within a few weeks of surgery and can last for several months.
Treatment for Cystoid Macular Edema Following Cataract Surgery
If you are experiencing symptoms of CME following cataract surgery, it is important to contact your eye doctor right away. Treatment options for CME include eye drops, oral medications, and injections of medication into the eye. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the fluid from the macula.
- Eye drops - Anti-inflammatory eye drops can help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye.
- Oral medications - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Injections - Medications such as corticosteroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) can be injected directly into the eye to reduce swelling and improve vision.
In conclusion, while CME following cataract surgery is