[Preliminary report of Nd: YAG laser embolysis for branch retinal artery occlusion].
OBJECTIVE
In this study, the clinical effect of the Nd: YAG laser embolysis on branch retinal artery occlusion was evaluated.


METHODS
A fundus contact lens was used to focus the Nd: YAG laser on the embolus within the retinal arteriole. 0.8 to 0.9 mJ of laser pulse was delivered directly to the embolus. Fundus photographs were taken before and immediately after the treatment. Follow-up time ranged from 2 weeks to 4 months, average about 7 weeks. Seven cases received the treatment, including 5 male and 2 female patients. Age of those cases ranged from 49 to 73, average 61 years. The duration of the disease ranged from 1 to 60 days, average 13 days.


RESULTS
Before treatment, visual acuity ranged from 0.06 to 0.8. Embolus can be detected in all the 7 cases. After treatment, all the cases showed immediate recovery of blood flow in the occluded arteriole both in fundus examination and fundus fluorescein angiography. The vision in the patients was improved in the follow-up. Visual acuity ranged from 0.2 approximately 1.0. In most cases, visual field defect still existed in the ischemic area. Complications included local retinal hemorrhages in some cases and vitreous hemorrhage, but those hemorrhages were gradually absorbed and did not affect the final visual prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Nd: YAG laser embolysis for branch retinal artery occlusion is an effective treatment and the treatment is relatively safe.
Lu
Ning
N
Tongren Ophthalmic Center, Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China. plf@public3.bta.net.cn
Yang
Qing-song
QS
Ma
Kai
K
Zhou
Hai-ying
HY
Xiong
Ying
Y
Yan
Wei
W
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015356:Retinal Artery Occlusion / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity