Six weeks after uncomplicated phacoemulsification, a patient reports blurred central vision. Fundus examination shows cystoid macular edema. At which postoperative interval is pseudophakic cystoid macular edema classically said to reach its peak incidence?

• A First postoperative week
• B 2 years postoperatively
• C 6 months postoperatively
• D 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively ✓

Explanation

Irvine-Gass syndrome peaks clinically at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, corresponding to maximal perifoveal capillary leakage driven by prostaglandin-mediated inflammation. Very early edema in the first week is uncommon as the primary presentation, and late presentations beyond months represent chronic or refractory disease rather than the typical peak. Topical NSAIDs and steroids target this prostaglandin pathway.

Reference: Kanski's Clinical Ophthalmology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.