Cystoid Macular Edema

Fluid filled cysts in the central retina

Overview

Cystoid macular edema is a swelling of the macula in which fluid collects in cyst like spaces between retinal layers, blurring and distorting central vision. It is a final common pathway for many conditions, including uveitis, retinal vein occlusion, diabetes, and inherited retinal diseases. A well known form, Irvine Gass syndrome, can follow cataract surgery, usually within a few weeks to months. It is best seen with optical coherence tomography, which shows the characteristic cysts. Management depends on the underlying cause, and many post surgical cases resolve over time.