Treatment of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema by elevation of intraocular pressure

We have utilized topical steroid therapy (dexamethasone 0.1%, one drop four times a day) in the treatment of seventeen pseudophakic patients with postoperative cystoid macular edema. Our patients underwent either extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber lens or intracapsular cataract extraction and anterior chamber lens placement. All of our patients achieved 20/40 vision after one to three months of therapy. Forty percent attained final visual acuity of 20/20. We attribute resolution of cystoid macular edema to elevation of intraocular pressure induced by topical steroids.