Evaluation of functional defects in branch retinal vein occlusion before and after laser treatment with scanning laser perimetry.
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed at localizing and quantifying retinal defects in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion by means of scanning laser perimetry and analyzing the mechanism involved in the functional recovery after laser therapy.


METHODS
Prospective nonrandomized clinical trial with concurrent comparison group.


METHODS
Fifty-eight patients with isolated branch retinal vein occlusion. Thirty-nine eyes received laser treatment; 19 eyes were observed without treatment.


METHODS
Argon laser photocoagulation was performed according to the Branch Vein Occlusion Study recommendations.


METHODS
Retinal functional deficits were evaluated with scanning laser perimetry and fluorescein angiography first at baseline, at 3-month follow-up visits and 3 months after laser treatment.


RESULTS
After laser treatment, the scotoma encroached on foveal fixation in 31% of eyes, remained stable in 36%, and regressed from the foveal avascular zone in 33%. Improvement in vision was correlated with increasing scotoma distance from fixation. Total scotoma size increased in 50% of eyes after treatment. Depth of scotoma and degree of angiographic leakage showed no direct correlation.


CONCLUSIONS
Stabilization and increase in visual acuity after laser treatment did not correlate with an overall decrease in scotoma size. Improved central visual function seen in 25% of treated eyes appeared to be due to withdrawal of scotoma from the fovea.
Barbazetto
I A
IA
University Eye Hospital, Luebeck, Germany.
Schmidt-Erfurth
U M
UM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012607:Scotoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests