Abstract
Purpose :
To determine the predictive value of peripapillary retinal never fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
Methods :
Retrospective chart review of patients presenting within four weeks of developing a branch, hemiretinal, or central RVO (BRVO, HRVO, and CRVO, respectively). Main outcome measures included visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, pRNFL and central foveal thickness (CFT), intraocular injections, and complications.
Results :
Thirty-three patients were included in the study (mean (SD) age, 69.8 (10.9) years; 61% female; mean (SD) follow-up, 27.2 (18.4) months; 58% HRVO/CRVO; 73% phakic). Presenting vs. final VA and IOP did not change significantly. Mean pRNFL thickness and CFT at final visit were significantly lower than on presentation (p<0.001 for both). Twenty-eight (85%) patients received a mean (SD) of 8.0 (7.9) anti-VEGF injections. Four (12%) patients developed complications related to neovascularization. Patients with HRVO/CRVO vs. BRVO had significantly worse VA (p=0.01) and higher pRNFL thickness (p=0.004) on presentation. Higher pRNFL thickness on presentation correlated with more anti-VEGF and total injections and shorter time to first anti-VEGF injection. Time to first anti-VEGF injection was shorter in patients with worse VA on presentation. Based on longitudinal analysis: 1) pRNFL thickness directly correlated with CFT and VA; 2) longer duration of follow-up and shorter time between visits directly correlated with higher number of anti-VEGF and total injections; and 3) longer duration of follow-up directly correlated with thinner pRNFL.
Conclusions :
pRNFL thickness in patients with RVO may have predictive value in relation to associated visual sequelae requiring treatment and visual outcome.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2016 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Wash., May 1-5, 2016.