New perspectives in the management of post-surgical macular edema

Post-surgical macular edema is the most common cause of vision loss after phacoemulsification, and one of the main causes of reduced vision in patients undergoing other ocular surgery. At present, there are no reliable randomized clinical trials specifically designed to define the best therapeutic approach, and little information is available regarding the treatment algorithm of acute or chronic forms. As a consequence, there is no agreement regarding the current management of post-surgical macular edema. Many therapeutic options have been proposed on the basis of the hypothesized pathogenetic mechanism of post-surgical macular edema. New therapies for post-surgical macular edema include non-steroidal anti-flammatory drugs and intraocular steroid implants. Aim of the review is to update the current management of postsurgical macular edema, reporting on the most recent therapeutic advances. In particular, we discuss the potential applications of recent patents with topical and intravitreal drugs.