Radial optic neurotomy for ischaemic central vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) accounts for 20-50% of all CRVO. No treatment has been proved to be effective. The efficacy of radial optic neurotomy (RON) was evaluated in eyes with ischaemic CRVO. METHODS: 10 patients with ischaemic CRVO underwent RON. After pars plana vitrectomy, a microvitreoretinal blade was used to incise the scleral ring, cribriform plate, and adjacent sclera at the nasal edge of the optic disc. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), fluorescein angiography (FA), multifocal electroretinography (mfERG), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were measured preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No visual improvement was noted in the eyes that underwent RON. FA and mfERG showed no increase in retinal perfusion or retinal function postoperatively. Mean macular central thickness changed from 841 (SD 170) mum preoperatively to 162 (SD 34) microm at the sixth postoperative month. One patient had retinal central artery perforation intraoperatively. One patient developed neovascular glaucoma. CONCLUSION: RON in ischaemic CRVO did not improve visual function (by mfERG) or visual acuity although macular thickness did improve. This technique may be associated with potential risks. Randomised studies are needed to corroborate these results.

Vitreous management in massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: To establish whether total vitrectomy with posterior hyaloid removal and choroidal hemorrhage drainage posterior sclerotomies improved the outcome of eyes with massive postoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage (kissing choroidals). METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of five patients with massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage (MSCH) who had received the same medical and surgical management. RESULTS: Three eyes had MSCH secondary to surgery of the anterior segment and two after ocular trauma. All had hemorrhagic choroidal detachment with retinal apposition, producing vitreous changes and adherence of the "kissing" retina. Surgery was delayed one to three weeks to allow liquefaction of the blood clot. All eyes had complete ocular evaluation including ultrasound, and were treated with steroids before surgical treatment. The procedure consisted of anterior chamber fluid infusion, posterior drainage sclerotomies, and primary total pars plana vitrectomy with posterior hyaloid removal. Mean follow-up was 9.4 months. Visual acuity after surgery improved in all eyes from light perception to 20/60. One patient without light perception improved to 20/200. CONCLUSIONS: Total vitrectomy may be indicated in selected cases with MSCH. The successful outcome of these patients comes from the combination of vitrectomy and external drainage.

Vitrectomy for ocular trauma: a question of timing?

PURPOSE: A long-standing controversy exists regarding the proper timing for vitrectomy in a traumatized eye. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of timing on the final visual acuity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was made of 45 consecutive patients who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy procedure for repair of ocular trauma. The patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of the surgery post-trauma: those operated before or after 14 days. Type of trauma and pre- and postoperative visual acuities were compared. RESULTS: A contusion type of trauma was more frequent in the late surgery group. Sharp, penetrating injuries were more common in the early vitrectomy group. No significant difference was found though visual acuity was worse in the patients with a contusion component to their injury. Timing of surgery seems to have very little effect on the final outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Final visual acuity is determined by the type and extent of trauma rather than the timing of surgery.