Incidence and risk factors for cystoid macular edema following scleral buckling

PurposeTo investigate the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) after scleral buckling (SB) and verify the possible risk factors of CME.MethodsA retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series study was conducted. Clinical charts of 130 consecutive patients who were underwent successful SB for primary retinal detachment (RD) from 2009 to 2013 were reviewed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was applied to detect CME. Data pertaining to patient demographics, pre- and postoperative visual acuity, surgical procedures, and postoperative OCT findings were recorded. Factors associated with CME were also analyzed.ResultsThe incidence of CME was 9/130 (6.9%). Risk factors for developing CME were older age (non-CME vs CME: 44.8±14.8 vs 57.3±5.3 years, P<0.05), more extensive RD (RD extent by clock hours; non-CME vs CME: 4.61±1.57 vs 5.78±1.39, P<0.05), macular detachment (non-CME vs CME: 51.2 vs 88.9%, P<0.05), and external drainage (non-CME vs CME: 38.8% vs 77.8%, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between patient with and without CME regarding the use of gas tamponade and the lens status. In patients with more extensive RD (macular detachment plus RD of more than 3 clock hours before surgery), 8 of 68 patients had CME after SB and only older age and external drainage factors were associated with CME.ConclusionsThe risk factors associated with CME after SB were older age, more extended RD, macular detachment, and external drainage. External drainage should be used with caution in older patients with more extensive RD.