Outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for complications of branch retinal vein occlusion.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for complications of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).


METHODS
Retrospective, noncomparative case series.


METHODS
The medical records of all patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for complications of BRVO at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1998 were reviewed. Thirty-six eyes from 36 consecutive patients were identified.


METHODS
Visual acuity outcomes include preservation of preoperative visual acuity and visual acuity greater than or equal to 20/40, 20/200 and 5/200. When preoperative retinal detachment was present, the anatomic outcome assessed was complete retinal attachment. Postoperative event rates of retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, epiretinal membrane (ERM), and cataract were tabulated. All outcomes were assessed at 6 months.


RESULTS
Surgical indications included nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage (17 patients), traction retinal detachment involving the macula (15), and ERM (4). Mean follow-up was 19 months. Preoperatively, best-corrected vision was greater than or equal to 20/200 in 19/36 (53%) eyes. Six months postoperatively, best-corrected vision was greater than or equal to 20/40 in 12/36 (33%) eyes, greater than or equal to 20/200 in 27/36 (75%) eyes, and greater than or equal to 5/200 in 31/36 (86%) eyes. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment (2/36; 6% eyes), ERM (3; 8%), vitreous hemorrhage (2; 6%), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (1; 3%), central retinal vein occlusion (1; 3%), and central retinal artery occlusion (1; 3%). Clinical features associated with better visual outcome include better preoperative visual acuity (P: = 0.05), absence of preoperative afferent pupillary defect (P: = 0.01), and absence of preoperative macular edema (P: = 0.08).


CONCLUSIONS
Following surgery, retinal attachment and improved visual acuity were achieved in the majority of patients. Pre-existing pathology and postoperative complications may limit final vision in eyes with BRVO.
Amirikia
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
Scott
I U
IU
Murray
T G
TG
Flynn
H W
HW
Smiddy
W E
WE
Feuer
W J
WJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*