Postcataract cystoid macular edema

Ocular tissues, like those of other organs, exhibit well-defined morphologic reactions to local trauma and insult in the form of hyperemia, vasodilation, increased permeability of blood vessels, and edema. Cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract surgery is one such manifestation, and it can result in either temporary, or rarely, a permanent reduction of visual acuity. Although its cause remains obscure, the relationship of CME to the details of the surgical procedures and their complications are becoming clearer. Likewise more insight into the phenomenon is being imparted by the agents being used in the preventative or curative line of management in CME.