Cystoid Macular Edema

What would be considered chronic macular edema, ie...how long does one need to have it for it to be considered chronic? When should one begin to be concerned about permanent damage? Do you have any suggestions for treatment other than topical NSAID, topical steroid, intravit. steroid, or intravit Avastin? Could a silicone IOL cause macular edema to become chronic?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Buttercup109,
Macular edema is swelling inside the eye in the macular area, the center of one’s area of fine focus.  It often occurs with diseases of the eye, trauma, and cataract surgery.  Inflammation inside the eye may lead to cystoid macular edema.  There are a number of factors related to cataract surgery which may be responsible for causing macular edema.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California