Comparative Evaluation of Radial Optic Neurotomy and Panretinal Photocoagulation in the Management of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: There is currently no treatment proven effective for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Radial optic neurotomy (RON) has recently surfaced as a new treatment for the disorder, however, and we compare here the visual acuity (VA) and arteriovenous transit time (AVTT) following RON and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, uncontrolled study of 27 patients. Of 27 eyes diagnosed with CRVO, 16 were treated with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) and 11 with RON. VA and fluorescein angiography were used to monitor the evolution of CRVO, and for follow-up. RESULTS: All patients underwent PRP or RON with no major complications. The difference between pre- and post-operative VA was not statistically significant for either group (p=0.092 on PRP; p=.0081 on RON). The change in AVTT was also not statistically significant for either group (p=0.024 on PRP; p=0.027 on RON). Ultimately, we found no statistically-significant difference in comparing VA and AVTT for the two groups (p=0.074 on VA; p=0.510 on AVTT). CONCLUSIONS: No evidence supporting the effectiveness of RON could be found in this study, suggesting that surgical decompression by RON may not be effective for treating CRVO. Further studies regarding the efficacy of RON should be made.