Incidence and Management of Cystoid Macular Edema after Corneal Transplantation

In this review, we overview the incidence and management of cystoid macular edema following endothelial keratoplasty (EK) including Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Incidence of CME was 2.0–12.7% following DSAEK and 0.7–15.6% following DMEK. Glaucomatous eyes, in particular, with primary angle closure glaucoma and eyes with severe iris damage and eyes with combined EK with transscleral intraocular lens implantation experienced postoperative CME at a higher incidence. Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and intensive topical steroid can effectively treat and prevent CME recurrences. CME is one of the major complications following EK and can be involved in the limitation of the recovery of postoperative visual acuity. Careful attention should be paid to patients with systemic and ocular conditions, as these might trigger postoperative CME. The prophylactic use of NSAIDs and intensive steroid treatment may be a reasonable approach.