[Detection of cystoid macular edema with orally administered fluorescein]

To detect cystoid macular edema after extracapsular cataract extraction, the authors used indirect ophthalmoscopy after oral application of fluorescein, rather than intravenous fluorescein angiography. The patients drank 10-20 ml 10% fluorescein sodium in 250 ml orange juice. Ophthalmoscopy was performed 30-45 minutes later using an exciter filter. Twenty-five patients with a tentative clinical diagnosis of cystoid macular edema were examined in this way. In six of them a manifest edema was detected. The results were confirmed by intravenous fluorescein angiography.