Because the risk of post-cataract CME is increased in patients with an epiretinal membrane, any macular edema should be treated to establish some level of stability prior to clearing a patient for surgery. 2 It is important to identify macular edema when considering a patient for cataract surgery. OCT reveals epiretinal membrane with cystoid macular edema.Ĭystoid macular edema (CME) is one complication of epiretinal membrane. Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) has allowed clinicians to visualize the anterior retina and the vitreoretinal interface with much greater detail than fundus photography and, in some instances, better than the clinical exam. Some membranes are easily seen clinically whereas others are not. 1 The incidence increases with age, as follows: 1 1 The Blue Mountains Eye Study shows the prevalence of an epiretinal membrane varies-estmating that 7% of patients older than 49 years of age will have an epiretinal membrane, 31% of which are bilateral. This article will outline the more common conditions associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications of cataract surgery.Įpiretinal membranes are common in potential cataract surgery patients. Using this technology, we’ve been able to increase our understanding of the possible relationship between cataract surgery and some retinal pathologies. Today, imaging tools allow a visual assessment of the posterior pole to a greater degree than ever before. Peripheral findings that may be relevant to postoperative outcomes include lattice degeneration, retinal breaks, operculated holes, cystic retinal tufts and the whole family of pathologies related to vitreous traction. In addition, peripheral retinal lesions may also have bearing on complications. Multiple retinal conditions may impact cataract surgery outcomes, including disorders such as:

This patient has non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with clinically significant macular edema. Despite how commonplace cataract surgery has become, postoperative challenges may still occur, particularly when pre-existing retinal pathology is involved.

Lattice degeneration of retina