Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: a revised comparison of the incidence with intracapsular and extracapsular cataract extraction.

A previous study by one of the authors found no significant difference in the incidence of cystoid macular edema with an intracapsular cataract extraction and the implantation of an iris-supported posterior chamber optic lens, compared with the incidence of cystoid macular edema with an extracapsular extraction and the implantation of a Shearing lens. To test the validity of that conclusion, the charts of 686 patients operated on by one of the authors were reviewed. It was determined that the incidence of both transient and persistent cystoid macular edema was significantly higher in patients who had an intracapsular cataract extraction. Reasons for the contradictory findings are discussed.