Cystoid Macular Edema and Chronic Pars Planitis

Hi,

I am a 23 year old male with history of chronic pars planitis. I have been dx'ed with MS though doctors are now suspecting lyme disease. I am being treated with 100mg Doxycycline 3x daily.

As a result of the chronic inflammation I've suffered from retinal vasculitis, cystoid macular edema, and pan-uveitis. My most recent bout of CME started back in July and lasted until November (thickness averaging in the mid 300's). As a result of that, I developed a small ERM upon the resolution of the CME treated with pred-forte and acular. My question is..

1. Does an ERM continually exacerbate the chance of reoccurance of CME? It seems now the leakage keeps happening.. more than it ever used to. Though there is still a sign of snowballs... they can't tell if it's active or if it's old inflammation..Will I have to deal with CME forever?

This is ruining my life because I cannot exercise or do anything remotely strenous or else the spot in my eye grows larger and less transparent..


Thanks for your help

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Yes,

Patient with pre-existing ERM will have a higher incidence of post op CME after cataract surgery.

Pars planitis is a very difficult disease to manages..  Some have even tried cryo of the snowballs with limited success.  If you are NOT a steroid responder, intraocular injection of steroids may help.

You try to see a uveitis specialist who is familiar with this disease.