Cystoid Macular Edema

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a common ophthalmic condition, resulting from heterogenous ophthalmic and systemic conditions. Globally, CME is estimated to affect at least 21 million people each year secondary to diabetes and 3 million secondary to retinal vein occlusion. It is also responsible for visual impairment in around 40% of patients with uveitis. The pathogenesis of CME is still not fully understood but is primarily caused by the breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier. Most current therapies are reserved for treating visual impairment due to CME, which occurs later in the disease. Treatment of CME varies according to the underlying cause, most commonly with combinations of corticosteroids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. Many patients with CME require frequent, repeated treatments for extended periods with not all eyes responding optimally. There is clearly an unmet need for new pharmaceutical therapies for sight-threatening CME. Current research and development strategies are focused on improving drug efficacy, prolonging effectiveness and targeting alternative molecular targets for CME.