Incidence, Risk Factors and Effect on Outcomes of Microcystic Macular Edema after Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and clinical significance of microcystic macular edema (MME) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Design: Interventional case series. Methods: Clinical charts of patients who underwent PPV for RRD were retrospectively reviewed. MME was diagnosed with optical coherence tomography in presence of small, nonconfluent elliptical cystoid spaces located at the level of the inner nuclear layer and sparing other retinal layers and the foveal center. The potential relationship between clinical and surgical variables and the occurrence of MME was evaluated with a multiple logistic regression. Results: A total of 318 eyes which underwent PPV for RRD were included. In total, 35 eyes (11.0%) presented cystoid changes consistent with MME, while 93 (29.2%) showed “typical” cystoid macular edema. Silicone oil tamponade was significantly associated with the occurrence of MME (P = .010). Best-corrected visual acuity did not differ significantly between eyes with and without MME (0.44 ± 0.54 versus 0.71 ± 0.76 logMAR; P = .103). Conclusions: This study found an incidence of 11% of MME following vitrectomy for RRD. Although MME was significantly associated with silicone oil tamponade, it showed no relationship with postoperative visual outcomes. Thus, no anti-inflammatory treatment may be required.