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Irvine-Gass Syndrome

It is characterized by postoperative macular edema, being the main cause of loss of visual acuity following surgical procedures. It is more common in diabetic patients and often resolves spontaneously or with treatment using eye drops. Only some cases may require cortisone injections.

What does it consist of Irvine-Gass Syndrome ?

Irvine-Gass syndrome (IGS) is a postoperative complication that can occur after cataract surgery. It is characterized by inflammation and fluid accumulation in the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for fine and detailed vision. This accumulation of fluid, known as macular edema, can lead to a loss of central vision and distortion of images.

The exact cause of Irvine-Gass syndrome (IGS) is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute:

Other eye diseases: Patients with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, or age-related macular degeneration have a higher risk of developing IGS.
Complications during surgery: Some complications during cataract surgery, such as rupture of the posterior capsule of the lens, can increase the risk of IGS.
Post-surgical inflammation: The body’s natural inflammatory response to surgery can, in some cases, be excessive and lead to the formation of macular edema.

Symptoms of Irvine-Gass Syndrome

The symptoms of IGS can appear at any time from days to weeks after cataract surgery. The most common symptoms include:

Blurred or distorted vision
Difficulty reading or seeing objects up close
Decreased central vision
Increased sensitivity to light
Altered night vision

Diagnosis of Irvine-Gass Syndrome

The diagnosis of IGS is made through a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination that includes:

Fundus examination with pupil dilation: To observe the accumulation of fluid in the macula.
Fluorescein angiography: To assess blood flow in the retina and detect possible vascular leaks.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): To measure the extent and thickness of the macular edema.

More information about Irvine-Gass Syndrome

The treatment of IGS focuses on reducing macular edema and improving vision. Treatment options may include:

Anti-inflammatory eye drops: To reduce inflammation in the eye.
Intravitreal injections of medications: Such as anti-inflammatories or anti-VEGF agents, which may be more effective than eye drops in reducing macular edema.
Therapeutic laser treatment: In persistent cases, therapeutic laser treatment may be considered to target specific areas of macular edema.

In most cases, Irvine-Gass syndrome is a temporary condition that resolves over time with appropriate treatment. However, in some cases, Irvine-Gass syndrome may last longer or require long-term treatment to control macular edema and maintain good vision.

It is important to have regular follow-ups with the ophthalmologist after cataract surgery for the early detection of Irvine-Gass syndrome and other potential complications. Additionally, following medical recommendations, such as using prescribed medications and attending follow-up visits, is essential for the proper management of this condition.

Treatments related to Irvine-Gass Syndrome

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Specialists in the pathology Irvine-Gass Syndrome

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