Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients With Surgical Removal of Extensive Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascularization Associated With Optic Nerve Head Drusen

Abstract

Purpose:: To report the long-term visual outcomes of surgical removal of extensive peripapillary choroidal neovascularization (PPCNV) associated with optic nerve head drusen.

Methods:: The medical records of patients who underwent surgical removal of extensive PPCNV associated with optic nerve head drusen at the Barnes Retina Institute (St. Louis, Missouri) between May 1992 and October 2006 were reviewed. Three consecutive eyes (in 3 patients) with >12 months follow-up were included in this retrospective review.

Results:: Patients ranged from 8-14 years of age. The pre-operative best-corrected Snellen visual acuity averaged 20/300 (range: 20/200 to 20/400). All three patients achieved 20/30 or better best-corrected Snellen visual acuity post-operatively (20/20, 20/25, and 20/30). Follow-up ranged from 1-6 years.

Conclusions:: Our data suggests that surgical removal may provide visual benefit in selected cases of extensive PPCNV associated with optic nerve head drusen.

Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery • optic nerve • choroid: neovascularization