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Bilateral cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery resolved by vitrectomy
1Ophthalmic Department, Regional Hospital Ca' Foncello, Treviso, Italy. gscarpa@ulss.tv.it
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 5, 2011
Summary
This case report highlights successful treatment of bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) after cataract surgery using vitrectomy. Vitrectomy effectively resolved CME, restoring visual acuity in a patient with vitreomacular traction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
Background:
- Cystoid macular edema (CME) can occur post-cataract surgery, sometimes referred to as Irvine-Gass syndrome.
- Conventional medical therapy may be insufficient for managing persistent or complex cases of post-surgical CME.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old woman developed bilateral CME after uneventful phacoemulsification.
- Pre-operative macular assessment revealed normal findings.
- Vitreomacular traction was identified as a contributing factor post-surgery.
Findings:
- Initial medical treatments for CME were unsuccessful.
- Vitrectomy, including removal of an epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane, rapidly resolved the CME.
- Full visual recovery was achieved post-vitrectomy.
Implications:
- Vitreomacular traction may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of post-surgical CME.
- Vitrectomy is a viable and effective treatment option for CME when vitreomacular traction is present.
- This case supports considering surgical intervention for refractory Irvine-Gass syndrome.
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