Edema of Posterior Pole After Cataract Extraction

Abstract

Although edema of the posterior pole of the fundus following cataract extraction has been recognized as an entity since 1952,¹ its etiology is still undetermined.² Hypotony, vascular instability, prolonged postoperative irritation, and vitreous traction have all been implicated.^3-7 This paper reports a detailed biomicroscopic study of the vitreous in patients who developed edema of the posterior pole after cataract surgery. The impression gathered from this study is that vitreous traction is the most important pathogenic factor. Materials and Methods A total of 25 affected eyes in 23 patients were studied. All suffered from edema of the posterior pole after cataract extraction. There were 10 men and 13 women, and the ages varied between 46 and 87 years. The patients were referred either to the retina service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary or to the Retina Associates for evaluation. With a single exception, no patient had