Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Loss of visual acuity due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is still a major problem in ophthalmology. New approaches for treatment like systemic fibrinolysis and surgical procedures have been suggested. Methods: In a clinical trial 8 patients for BRVO and ischemic CRVO each underwent surgical decompression. Strict criteria of inclusion were maintained. Radial optic neurotomy (RON) and adventitial sheathotomy (AVS) were performed 1–5 months after retinal vein occlusion. Follow up–time was 9–18 months. Visual acuity and incidence of typical complications after RVO were of main interest in scientific evaluation. Results: Visual acuity improved significantly after both surgical procedures. For ischemic CRVO EDTRS charts increased from 20/125 to 20/50, in BRVO from 20/63 to 20/50. Surgical complications did not occur.Recovery of retinal blood flow during fluoresceine angiography correlated with good functional results. Conclusions: For patients with retinal vein occlusion RON and AVS seems to be safe and feasible procedures. Results suggest the potential to improve visual acuity while reducing typical complications. Because of poor prognosis of RVO new approaches have to be followed consequently.
Keywords: vascular occlusion/vascular occlusive disease • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials • retina