Radial optic neurotomy for central retinal vein occlusion: 117 consecutive cases

Venous occlusive disease is the second leading cause of permanent retinal vascular blindness. The anatomy of the optic disk including the cribriform plate and scleral ring may contribute to the development of retinal vasoocclusive diseases. Neurovascular compression within the confined space at this location (scleral outlet) may play a pathoetiologic role in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). We developed a surgical procedure (radial optic neurotomy [RON]) to open this space and relieve pressure on the central retinal vein.

Pars plana vitrectomy with RON was performed on 117 consecutive patients with CRVO and severe loss of vision (defined as 20/200 or worse). Patients were observed with serial fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, determination of Snellen visual acuity, and biomicroscopy for anterior segment neovascularization.

There were no serious complications noted with this procedure. Anatomical and clinical improvement as determined by fundus examination, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography was found in 95% of patients. Snellen visual acuity improved by an average of 2.5 lines (range, 1-12 lines) in 71% of patients. Two or more lines were gained in 53% of patients, and > or = 4 lines were gained in 25%. Anterior segment neovascularization was found in 6% of patients with CRVO.

Surgical decompression of CRVO via RON is a technically feasible and safe procedure that was associated with anatomical resolution of CRVO in 95% patients and improved visual function in 71%.