Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
Cystoid macular edema is a complication of surgical procedures used in cataract extraction and is a significant cause of postoperative impaired visual acuity. In uncomplicated cases it occurs in ~1% of cases. If complications follow the surgery the incidence rises to 12%. It is not uncommon for cystoid macular edema to occur in patients with severe anterior uveitis [uveitis - anterior]. Cystoid macular edema my be associated with other disorders including diabetic retinopathy and senile vitritis [vitritis - senile]. The edema usually resolves after treatment of the underlying disease.