Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) is a common cause of visual impairment after cataract surgery. This article systematically reviews and discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of PCME, with a focus on advances in the past 1-2 years.

RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of PCME has declined with the advent of modern surgical techniques. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become an important adjunct to biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography. PCME prophylaxis with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs remains unproven because long-term visual outcomes and comparative effectiveness studies are lacking. Chronic, refractory CME remains a therapeutic challenge, but investigational therapies with potential include corticosteroid intravitreal injections and implants, and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments. Few studies have assessed surgical options.

SUMMARY: There is currently a lack of well designed randomized clinical trials to guide the treatment of PCME.