The Effect of Vitrectomy on the Complication of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of vitrectomy on the recovery of impaired visual acuity from complication of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: The medical records were obtained from all patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for complication of BRVO and were followed up at least for 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The Surgical indications included vitreous hemorrhage (29 patients), epiretinal membrane (7), and retinal detachment (4). Mean follow-up was 13 months. Preoperatively, best corrected visual acuity was greater than or equal to 0.1 in 14 eyes (35.0%). Six months postoperatively, best corrected visual acuity was greater than or equal to 0.1 in 36 eyes (90.0%). Clinical features associated with better visual outcome included better preoperative visual acuity (P<0.01) and absence of preoperative macular edema (P<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy is a good procedure for the recovery on the visual impairment due to BRVO complication.