A 66-year-old man reports blurring of recently improved vision 6 weeks after cataract surgery. Fundus examination shows cystoid macular oedema with a petalloid pattern on fluorescein angiography. The peak incidence of this complication after cataract surgery occurs at:
- A 1 week postoperatively
- B 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively ✓
- C 6 months postoperatively
- D Immediately on the first postoperative day
Correct answer: B. 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively
Explanation
Irvine-Gass syndrome, pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema, peaks clinically at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, though angiographic leakage appears earlier in many patients. Most cases resolve spontaneously; persistent cases are managed with topical NSAIDs and corticosteroids. First-day visual loss suggests other pathology such as corneal oedema or retained viscoelastic, and 6-month onset is atypical for classic Irvine-Gass.
Reference: AAO Basic and Clinical Science Course, Retina Section 12, 2023-2024 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.