gms | German Medical Science

To date, there is still no consensus among ophthalmologists about the therapeutic approach in retinal vein occlusion.

Thus far, thermal photocoagulation to prevent ocular neovascularization and drug therapies including hemodilution, thrombolysis, or the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents have been the mainstay in therapy. During the past years, numerous surgical approaches such as adventitial sheathotomy, radial neurotomy, or the intravitreal application of steroids have improved our armamentarium of treatment strategies for the management of branch or central retinal vein occlusion.

However, only a few studies have attempted to prove the effectiveness of these therapeutic approaches in a randomized manner. Here, available data on the management of retinal vein occlusion are reviewed to determine whether current treatment options are likely to improve major clinical outcomes and to provide an evidence-based framework for decision-making strategies. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials and novel therapeutic approaches are presented.