Induction of retinochoroidal venous anastomosis in central retinal vein occlusion with macular edema via a full-thickness retinochoroidal incision.

OBJECTIVE

To report the induction of retinochoroidal venous anastomosis (RCVA) in the treatment of nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with macular edema via a full-thickness retinochoroidal incision.

METHODS

In nine eyes with nonischemic CRVO and intractable macular edema, one or two full-thickness incisions transacting a major retinal branch vein to the level of inner sclera were made in conjunction with vitrectomy. Fluorescein angiography was conducted to evaluate the formation of functional RCVA. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were compared before and after the surgery.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period +/- SD was 12.0 +/- 5.1 months. All nine eyes developed functional RCVA after the surgery. The mean BCVA +/- SD improved from 0.75 +/- 0.30 logMAR (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) to 0.55 +/- 0.26 logMAR (P = 0.018), and the mean CMT +/- SD was reduced from 686 +/- 265 microm to 251 +/- 150 microm (P = 0.011). Additional surgery was performed on one eye due to persistent vitreous hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Full-thickness retinochoroidal incision appears to raise the rate of successful RCVA formation and may improve the outcome of CRVO with macular edema.