Name of the Condition

• Cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery, right eye
• Also referred to as postoperative macular edema or Irvine-Gass syndrome when it occurs after cataract surgery

Summary

• Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a condition characterized by swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. This condition can occur after cataract surgery, leading to vision distortion or blurring, particularly when affecting the right eye.

Causes

• The exact cause of CME following cataract surgery isn't fully understood, but it's believed to result from inflammation or leakage of fluid into the macula post-surgery.

Risk Factors

• Older age
• History of diabetes or other retinal conditions
• Previous eye surgeries or trauma
• Complicated cataract surgery

Symptoms

• Blurred or decreased central vision in the right eye
• Distortion of vision (e.g., straight lines appearing wavy)
• Changes in color perception

Diagnosis

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize retinal swelling
• Fluorescein angiography to identify fluid leakage
• Clinical examination of the retina

Treatment Options

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) eyedrops to reduce inflammation
• Corticosteroid injections to decrease swelling
• In some cases, laser treatment may be considered to manage excess fluid

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Many patients experience improved vision with treatment and regular follow-ups
• Important to monitor the condition regularly to prevent long-term vision issues

Complications

• If untreated, CME can lead to persistent vision impairment or permanent vision loss in severe cases

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Follow post-surgery instructions carefully
• Regular eye examinations to monitor for any changes in vision
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes that can exacerbate the issue

When to Seek Professional Help

• Experiences of sudden changes in vision, particularly blurring or distortion, following cataract surgery in the right eye

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) - AAO Website
• Macular Society - Macular Society

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the correct eye (right) is specified when coding this condition
• Double-check the associated surgical procedure code to ensure comprehensive documentation
• Be mindful of related codes for similar conditions affecting the left eye or both eyes to avoid errors