Hyper-acute pseudophakic macular edema vanishing within 72 hours: a case series

Purpose: To report three cases of massive pseudophakic macular edema occurring the day after uneventful cataract surgery and resolving in 24-72 hours. Observations: A 68-years woman affected by systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome displayed massive macular edema on OCT scan one day after uneventful cataract surgery. Routine postoperative topical eye drops (Chloramphenicol/Betamethasone QID and Bromfenac BID) were continued without additional medications. Three days later OCT showed a completely recovered, normal fovea. Two similar cases were documented. A 73-year-old man and a 53-year-old man underwent cataract surgery and started the mentioned topical postoperative therapy. Severe macular edema was diagnosed the day after surgery and resolved in 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Conclusions: Massive macular edema may occur immediately after uncomplicated cataract and then disappear within 1 to 3 days, without invasive therapies. This is a very significant event that may follow cataract surgery that was previously unreported.