Vascular And Diabetic Eye Disease 2 Saturday 19 May 11:00 - 12:30 Salle Camille Blanc
G.S. Murthy, G. Palexus,
UK
A report on laser management for branch retinal vein occlusion over 18 years
Purpose: To carry out a retrospective study of the demographics, predisposing factors and assess the visual outcome of patients after management of BRVO with argon laser treatment at the North Middlesex Hospital, London, UK. Setting: Retrospective review of data from the files of patients who had undergone laser for BRVO over a period of 18 years, at the North Middlesex Hospital, London UK. Methods: The files of 30 patients who have undergone argon laser treatment for BRVO from 1987 to 2005 were analysed. Information was collected regarding, demographics, aetiological factors, management, and outcomes after argon laser treatment. Results: Caucasians mainly in there 6th decade were affected with 67% of these being males. Hypertension was the most common risk factor noted, 30% of cases. The most common branch vein affected was the supero temporal retinal vein, 43% of cases. The visual acuity at presentation ranged from 6/9 to CF. Final visual acuity improved in 8 and remained at the same level in 8, and deteriorated in 14 patients. Persistent CME was found in 17 cases but there was no persistence of neovascularization. Conclusions: Argon laser has in the past been the mainstay of treatment in patients with sight threatening BRVO. Fifty six percent of patients in this study had persistent CME despite laser treatment. Vision only improved in 27% of patients studied. In 47% of patients vision deteriorated despite laser treatment. Further prospective studies to assess and evaluate the adjuvant use of intravitreal therapies, such as triamcinalone and anti-neovascular growth factor treatments are needed, to see whether if together with laser, visual outcomes can be improved in this group of patients.
