Article
Branch retinal vein occlusion: treatment with laser arteriolar constriction technique
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Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
Text
Objective
To evaluate effect of laser arteriolar constriction technique in combination with medicamentous therapy on visual acuity (VA) in the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).
Methods
In the period from 1988 to 1997 we performed photocoagulation treatment in combination with medicamentous therapy (pentoxyphyllin 100mg 3x1, acid salicylic 200mg 1x1, acid ascorbic 100mg 3x1) in 82 eyes with BRVO. We developed our own modification of laser arteriolar constriction technique which consists in the application of coalescent coagulation spots through the afferent arteriole. The arteriole was coagulated at the site not obscured by hemorrhages, and also not in their proximity. The goal was to achieve a persistent constriction of the arteriole. As an early treatment we consider such a photoagulation which is performed within 2 months after the onset of occlusion. The patients were divided into two basic groups: group A - which received early treatment and group B - in which laser treatment was initiated later than 2 months after the onset of occlusion. In both groups, VA was evaluated separately in prognostically unfavourable eyes. There are: group C-early laser treatment and non-early treatment group D. As prognostically unfavourable occlusion we consider BRVO with the initial VA 6/60 and worse.
Results
Incidence of final VA 6/60 and worse: group A versus B - 3,5% x 16%, group C versus D - 6,7% x 31%. Incidence of final VA 6/12 and better: group A versus B - 72% x 40%, group C versus D - 50% x 31%. Statistical comparison between our two groups of prognostically unfavourable eyes shows that result in group C is statiscically significant.
Conclusions
Better results were achieved in eyes subjected to an early treatment using laser arteriolar constriction technique if combined with the medicamentous therapy.