Efficacy of photocoagulation in the treatment of occlusion of a branch of the central retinal vein
Sugita, T.; Kojima, K.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 84(8): 836-844
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 7211598 Document Number: 157405
Relatively fresh cases of central retinal vein branch occlusion treated by photocoagulation and those left untreated were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure in the recovery of vision and its liability to produce complications. There were 34 patients (35 eyes), with macular hemorrhage or edema underwent photocoagulation within 6 mo. after the onset of disease and were followed for at least 1/2 yr after the surgical treatment. Eyes (45) affected with the same disease were left untreated to serve as controls. Photocoagulation was performed mainly with Ar Laser System 900. Photocoagulation was effective in the prevention of vitreous hemorrhage, but had no benefit for improvement of vision. When performed within 2 mo. after onset, photocoagulation may markedly improve vision in relatively young patients (< 59 yr old), with an ischemia of a branch of the central retinal vein at the level of an arteriovenous crossing supero-lateral to the optic disk.