Illustration of an eye undergoing cataract surgery with inflammatory cells, symbolizing the risk of CME.

Cystoid Macular Edema After Cataract Surgery: What You Need to Know

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding the Link Between Iritis and Post-Cataract Complications"

Cataract surgery is a common and generally safe procedure to restore clear vision. However, like any surgery, it comes with potential risks and complications. One such complication is cystoid macular edema (CME), a condition where fluid accumulates in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. While CME can occur for various reasons, a recent study highlights a potential link between previous severe iritis (inflammation of the iris) and an increased risk of developing CME after cataract surgery.

This article delves into the findings of a case report that explores this connection, providing insights into why it might occur and what steps can be taken to mitigate the risk. Understanding this relationship is crucial for anyone considering cataract surgery, especially those with a history of eye inflammation.

Let's break down the details of the study and what it means for your eye health.

Unpacking the Case: Iritis and the Risk of CME

Illustration of an eye undergoing cataract surgery with inflammatory cells, symbolizing the risk of CME.

The case report, published in "Clinical Ophthalmology", details the experience of a 51-year-old woman who developed CME after undergoing cataract surgery. What makes this case particularly interesting is her history of severe iritis following argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI), a procedure used to manage a specific type of angle-closure glaucoma called plateau iris configuration.

Here’s a breakdown of the key events:

Plateau Iris Configuration: The patient was diagnosed with plateau iris configuration, where the iris (the colored part of the eye) is positioned in a way that narrows the angle between the iris and cornea, potentially leading to glaucoma.
ALPI Procedure: To address this, she underwent ALPI, a laser procedure designed to widen the angle. Unfortunately, she experienced a severe inflammatory reaction in the right eye after the procedure.
Cataract Surgery: Months later, after the inflammation had subsided, she underwent cataract surgery. The surgery itself was uneventful.
Development of CME: Four weeks after cataract surgery, she developed CME, despite the absence of typical risk factors. Fortunately, the CME resolved completely with anti-inflammatory medication.

This case suggests that the patient's previous severe iritis following the laser treatment may have predisposed her to developing CME after cataract surgery. The researchers propose that individuals with a history of such inflammatory responses might have ocular tissues that are more prone to releasing abnormally high levels of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Protecting Your Vision: What You Can Do

While this is just one case report, it raises important considerations for individuals with a history of severe iritis or other inflammatory eye conditions who are considering cataract surgery. If you have a history of eye inflammation, it's crucial to inform your ophthalmologist. They may recommend prophylactic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after cataract surgery to help prevent the development of CME. Early detection and treatment are key to managing CME and preserving your vision. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist after cataract surgery are essential to monitor for any signs of complications.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) and how does it affect vision?

Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) is a condition where fluid accumulates in the macula, the central part of the retina. The macula is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This fluid buildup can cause blurred or distorted central vision, affecting activities like reading and recognizing faces. The case report highlights CME as a potential complication following cataract surgery, especially in patients with a history of iritis.

How does Iritis increase the risk of developing Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) after cataract surgery?

The case report suggests a link between previous severe iritis and an increased risk of CME after cataract surgery. The researchers propose that the prior inflammatory response might have predisposed the ocular tissues to releasing abnormally high levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. This heightened inflammatory state could then make the eye more susceptible to CME after the additional trauma of cataract surgery. The 51-year-old woman in the study developed CME after cataract surgery following severe iritis after the ALPI procedure.

What is the Argon Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty (ALPI) procedure, and how did it relate to the patient's eye condition?

Argon Laser Peripheral Iridoplasty (ALPI) is a laser procedure used to manage plateau iris configuration, a condition where the iris is positioned in a way that narrows the angle between the iris and cornea, potentially leading to glaucoma. In the case report, the patient underwent ALPI to widen this angle. However, she experienced a severe inflammatory reaction (iritis) in her right eye after the procedure, which may have then contributed to her developing CME after subsequent cataract surgery.

What preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) after cataract surgery, especially if there's a history of eye inflammation?

For individuals with a history of severe iritis or other inflammatory eye conditions, informing your ophthalmologist is crucial. They might recommend prophylactic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after cataract surgery to help prevent CME. Early detection and treatment are key to managing CME and preserving vision. Regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist are essential to monitor for any signs of complications following cataract surgery.

Besides Iritis, are there other risk factors for Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) after cataract surgery, and how is CME treated?

While the case report highlights the link between iritis and CME, there are other potential causes for CME, which include surgical complications or other underlying eye conditions. The specific causes were not the primary focus of the report, but they exist. Fortunately, in the case discussed, the CME resolved completely with anti-inflammatory medication. The treatment often involves anti-inflammatory medications, either as eye drops or injections, to reduce the fluid buildup and inflammation in the macula. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to achieving the best visual outcomes and preserving vision after cataract surgery.