Pathogenesis of aphakic macular edema

Six months after cataract extraction, a 71-year-old man had cystoid macular edema confirmed by fluorescein angiography. Microscopic examination revealed cystoid spaces in the outer plexiform and outer nuclear layer of the neurosensory retina. Chronic inflammatory cells were scattered throughout the ciliary body. Inflammatory cells were also present in a section of iris that had an adherent strand of vitreous leading to the pars plana. Comparison of these findings with other related clinical entities supported the hypothesis that ciliary body inflammation may play a significant role in postcataract extraction macular edema.