Cystoid macular oedema and ocular inflammation. The corneo-retinal inflammatory syndrome

Intraocular lens implantation may be associated with an inflammatory syndrome which leads to corneal decompensation and cystoid macular oedema. The inflammatory aspects often do not appear striking but manifest as mild ciliary flush, mild flare, moderate cells in the anterior chamber, and moderate vitritis. The cornea will decompensate in the presence of endothelial cell counts which are sufficient to maintain corneal clarity in the non-inflamed eye. Metal-looped lenses and poorly polished lenses cause iris chafing and capillary leakage which increase the severity of this syndrome. It is postulated that intraocular surgery initiates an inflammatory response which is augmented by certain components of intraocular lenses. The mediation for this increased inflammatory response may be inhibited by both steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The presence of white blood cells and their products, such as lysosomal enzymes, may be sufficient to perpetuate the inflammatory response and cause damage to abnormal and normal cells. The presence of protein and its immune components, as well as complement, may be involved in this syndrome.