Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific pattern of swelling in the central retina: Cystoid macular edema is a medical condition characterized by fluid accumulation and swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The swelling forms a characteristic cyst-like (cystoid) pattern.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ophthalmologist diagnosed the patient with cystoid macular edema after reviewing the optical coherence tomography scan.
  • Cystoid macular edema can cause blurred or distorted central vision.
  • A common complication after cataract surgery is the development of cystoid macular edema.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: The term is primarily used in medical and ophthalmological contexts to describe a specific pathological finding, often associated with conditions like diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, or post-surgical inflammation.
  • The study focused on the efficacy of anti-VEGF injections in treating chronic cystoid macular edema.

Variants and Related Words

• CME: A common abbreviation used in medical notes and literature.
  • The patient's chart noted a history of CME in the left eye.
• Macular Edema: A broader term for swelling in the macula, which may not always have the distinct cystoid pattern.
  • While all cystoid macular edema is a form of macular edema, not all macular edema is cystoid.

Synonyms

• Irvine-Gass Syndrome: A specific term for cystoid macular edema that occurs following cataract surgery.

Related Phrases

• Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: Cystoid macular edema occurring specifically after cataract surgery where an artificial lens (pseudophakos) has been implanted.
  • The risk of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema is higher in patients with a history of uveitis.

Noun

1. a specific pattern of swelling in the central retina