Long-term Study of Radial Optic Neurotomy in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical effect of radial optic neurotomy (RON) in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: The retinal findings, visual acuity and complications were analyzed in patients who had undergone RON for the treatment of CRVO and were followed up 10 months or more after surgery. RESULTS: Of all 16 patients (16 eyes), the mean age was 55 years and the follow-up period was 14 months. Preoperative anterior segment and retinal neovascularization was observed in each three eyes. All eyes showed improvement in the retinal findings within two weeks after RON. The postoperative complications included vitreous hemorrhage in 1 eye, chorioretinal collateral circulation in 1 eye, neovascular glaucoma in 1 eye, vitreous hemorrhage and neovascular glaucoma in 1 eye. The visual acuity was counting fingers or less in 8 eyes preoperatively and in 2 eyes finally, and was less than 0.1 in 13 eyes preoperatively and in 10 eyes finally. The mean visual improvement in the 3.8 lines was in 11 eyes and a loss of 2.5 lines in 2 eyes. The maximum velocity of the blood flow of CRV improved with 1.95 +/- 0.93 cm/sec on the average in the 7 eyes examined by color doppler. CONCLUSIONS: RON appears to be safe and effective for improving the retinal findings, visual acuity and blood flow of CRV in CRVO. However, the visual recovery is limited.