Purpose:
Ophthalmodynamometry can quantify the elevated retinal venouscollapse pressure (VCP) in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)as a direct measure of outflow resistance. This study investigateswhether absolute VCP and the ratio of VCP to arterial collapsepressure (ACP) are useful prognostic indicators in CRVO.
Methods:
The study retrospectively analysed 73 cases of CRVO with centralretinal venous and arterial diastolic pressures measured witha Bailliart type ophthalmodynamometer at initial presentationand during the course of follow-up, at 1 week, 1 month, 3 monthsand 6 months. This was analysed against visual acuity measuredusing a Snellen chart under standardised conditions.
Results:
The median VCP decreased 54.0 grams (gm) between the initialand final visit from 105.0gm to 51.0gm. Cases with the VCP greaterthan ACP at initial presentation had a worse visual outcomethan those with a VCP less than or equal to the ACP at 1 week(p=0.012), 1 month (p=0.032), 3 months (p=0.009) and 6 months(p=0.031). An initial high VCP (greater than or equal to 100gm)wasassociated with poor visual acuity throughout the course offollow up. Cases with low (0-49gm) and mid-range (50-99gm) VCPhad variable outcomes.
Conclusions:
High initial VCP (greater than or equal to 100gm) and initialVCP greater than the ACP is predictive of worse short term visualoutcome.
Keywords: retina • vascular occlusion/vascular occlusive disease