Retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms overlying the optic nerve.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Vascular Diseases

Background:

• Retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms commonly affect second and third-order arterioles.
• Macroaneurysms of first-order arterioles, particularly over the optic nerve, are rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on rare cases of retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms overlying the optic nerve.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes and spontaneous resolution of these lesions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series.
• Analysis of two patients with optic nerve head arteriolar macroaneurysms.

Main Results:

• One patient underwent focal laser photocoagulation; the other experienced spontaneous resolution.
• Visual acuity was 20/25 post-treatment versus 20/80 without treatment.
• No optic nerve damage was observed following laser treatment.

Conclusions:

• Retinal arteriolar macroaneurysms over the optic nerve can involute spontaneously or with laser therapy.
• Macular edema is a potential cause of irreversible vision impairment.
• Focal laser treatment in this region appears safe for the optic nerve.