Neodymium:YAG laser anterior vitreolysis for Irvine-Gass cystoid macular edema

Twenty-nine consecutive patients with vitreous incarceration in the wound after cataract surgery and cystoid macular edema (Irvine-Gass syndrome) were treated with Nd:YAG laser anterior vitreolysis. Fifty-five percent (55%) achieved two or more lines of stable visual improvement; 17% improved but with fluctuating levels of vision and persistent edema; 28% failed to improve, half of them because of coexisting ocular pathology. Visual improvement was achieved an average of 3.5 months after treatment. Persistent macular edema was associated with several types of anterior chamber intraocular lenses.