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Who Is Most at Risk of Macular Oedema After Cataract or Lens Surgery?

2 min read

CMO can occur in any eye, but some patients are clearly more vulnerable. Diabetes is a major risk factor because chronic hyperglycaemia damages retinal capillaries and weakens the blood–retinal barrier before surgery.¹

Eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) have an abnormal vitreomacular interface and low-grade traction that amplifies postoperative inflammation. Uveitis or other inflammatory eye disease also primes the retina for exaggerated cytokine responses.

Posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss and other intra-operative complications further increase risk by raising inflammatory load and allowing mediators to diffuse into the vitreous cavity. Large database and cohort studies confirm higher CMO rates in diabetic, ERM and uveitic eyes compared with routine populations.¹ ²

At Blue Fin Vision® we treat these patients as high-risk: they receive enhanced counselling, extended steroid–NSAID therapy and closer OCT surveillance to catch even subtle macular thickening early.

References

  1. Chu CJ, Johnston RL, Buscombe C, et al. Risk factors and incidence of macular edema after cataract surgery. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(2):316-323.
  2. Hayashi K, Hirata A, Hayashi H. Changes in macular thickness after cataract surgery in eyes with ERM. Ophthalmology. 2012;119(10):1869-1875.

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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.