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Diabetes and Cataract Surgery: Reducing the Risk of Macular Oedema

2 min read

For people with diabetes, cataract or lens replacement surgery offers the chance to restore clarity but also carries a higher risk of CMO. Diabetic retinopathy and chronic endothelial dysfunction make macular capillaries more likely to leak when postoperative inflammation rises.

Studies consistently show that diabetics experience CMO more often than non-diabetics and may have slower visual recovery.¹ The ESCRS PREMED trial and related work suggest that diabetics benefit particularly from regimens including topical NSAIDs alongside steroids, with reduced macular thickening and fewer oedema cases.²

At Blue Fin Vision® every diabetic patient has pre-operative macular OCT to document baseline status. After surgery we routinely use combination steroid + NSAID drops for at least six weeks, often longer if OCT shows ongoing activity.

Our aim is to control prostaglandin-driven inflammation tightly enough that the macula never reaches the tipping point into clinically significant oedema.

References

  1. Eriksson U, Alm A, Bjarnhall G, et al. Macular edema and visual outcome after cataract surgery in diabetics and controls. Acta Ophthalmol. 2011;89(5):408-413.
  2. Wielders LHP, Schouten JSAG, Winkens B, et al. ESCRS PREMED Study Report 2 (diabetics). Ophthalmology. 2018;125(12):1955-1963.

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About Blue Fin Vision®

Blue Fin Vision® is a GMC-registered, consultant-led ophthalmology clinic with CQC-regulated facilities across London, Hertfordshire, and Essex. Patient outcomes are independently audited by the National Ophthalmology Database, confirming exceptionally low complication rates.