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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Rat Model of Photochemically-Induced Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Published on: November 29, 2015
Optic nerve sheath decompression for progressive central retinal vein occlusion
1Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Objective:
To review our results with optic nerve sheath decompression (ONSD) for progressive central retinal vein occlusions (CRVO).
Methods:
Patients selected all had evidence of progressively worsening CRVO, a component of optic nerve swelling, and most were already monocular from prior disease in the contralateral eye. ONSD was performed using a nasal approach under retrobulbar anesthesia.
Results:
Eight eyes from 8 patients with a mean follow-up of 12 months were analyzed. Six patients improved, 2 worsened. Mean preoperative visual acuity was 20/160, and mean final postoperative visual acuity was 20/70. No complications occurred. Nonischemic CRVOs, patients < 65 years old, and those undergoing ONSD within 3 months of presentation seemed to do better.
Conclusion:
ONSD may improve vision or stabilize visual loss in patients with progressive CRVO.
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