Postoperative cataract surgery complications: cystoid macular oedema and epiretinal membrane
8 February 2023
Winter 2023
Kathryn Marshall MCOptom, an optometrist working in community practice in Scotland, describes the surgical complications that can lead to reduced visual outcomes.
History
In July 2021, a 70-year-old female patient attended a routine eye examination, reporting a gradual decrease in vision both for distance and near in both eyes. She was a driver and a non-smoker and otherwise asymptomatic.
- General health: high blood pressure (well controlled), osteoporosis, breast cancer. No known allergies.
- Ocular history: no previous hospital eye service (HES) visits.
- Meds: statin (name unknown), amlodipine, letrozole and risedronic acid.
- Family history: nil relevant issues.
- Refraction and best corrected visual acuity (VA):
- Right eye (RE) +3.00/-0.50×90, 6/12, Add +2.75, N4.5 at 30cm.
- Left eye (LE) +2.75/-1.00×50, 6/12, Add +2.75, N.6 at 30cm.
- Pinhole testing showed no improvement in VA in either eye.
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Related further reading
The College of Optometrists and the Optical Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) call on the government to make a long-term commitment to primary eye care in its NHS 10-Year Health Plan as part of the shift from hospital to community.
The College of Optometrists calls for vital community minor and urgent eye care services to be universally commissioned in England
Optometrists talk to patients about eye health every day, and have an important role to play in health promotion and public health.