The Detection of the Cystoid Macular Edema after Cataract Extraction with Oral Fluorescein Angiography

ABSTRACT

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a relatively common cause of temporary or permanent visual impairment after cataract extraction. Fluorescein angiography is indispensable to diagnose the CME. Intravenous fluorescein angiography is asscciated with a high incidene of minor adverse effects but a very low incidence of life-threatening serious reactions. There are no reports of oral fluorescein causing a senous reaction, and minor adverse effects are uncommon. We had Performed the oral fluorescein angiography in 30 consecutive cases (31 eyes) to detect the CME after cataract extraction. Two eyes (6.45%) had definite evidence of CME on the fluorograms. The typical angiogram of CME were obtained at 30 or 40 minutes after they had taken the fluorescein sodium. A dose of 20mg/Kg body weight produced good quality angiograms in 71% of the patients. There was no serious reaction but a mild pruritus was noted in one patient(3.3%). Therefore, we have concluded that the oral fluorescem agniography is very useful method because the oral fluorogram may avoid the adverse effect that could occur in intravenous fluorescein injection and be comparable in quality with those produced by intrvenous fluorescein.