Ocular ischemia in high myopia treated with intravenous prostaglandin e1.
BACKGROUND
High myopia is associated with a decreased ocular blood flow. In some cases this ocular ischemia may be the cause of severe visual loss.


METHODS
Three patients with high myopia and progressive loss of visual acuity had a diagnosis of ocular ischemia by color Doppler. Intravenous prostaglandin E1, a powerful vasodilator of the microcirculation, was used to treat the ocular ischemia in all 3 patients.


RESULTS
The visual acuity improved in all three cases with one patient improving from 20/100 to 20/30. The mean deficit of the visual fields in this patient improved from -19.08 to -9.52 after treatment. The treatment was repeated every 6 weeks to 8 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with high myopia and progressive visual acuity loss should be evaluated for ocular ischemia. Intravenous prostaglandin E1 should be considered in those cases of ocular ischemia with visual loss. Unfortunately the effect does not last for more than 6 weeks to 8 weeks and needs to be repeated at this interval for extended periods.
From the *Via A. Brofferio 6, Rome; †Vascular Research Center, San Valentino, Pescara; ‡Ophthalmic Hospital, Rome; and §Department of Ophthalmology, "La Sapienza," University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Robert D
RD
Steigerwalt
M Rosaria
MR
Cesarone
Gianni
G
Belcaro
Antonella
A
Pascarella
Laura
L
Rapagnetta
Mauro De
MD
Angelis
Marcella
M
Nebbioso