Visual Prognostic Factors in Eyes with Subretinal Fluid Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Optical Coherence Tomography

Background:

• Subretinal fluid (SRF) in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) can impact visual acuity.
• The ellipsoid zone (EZ) is a critical layer in photoreceptors, and its integrity may influence visual recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the status of the foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) affects visual prognosis in eyes with SRF due to BRVO.
• To evaluate the EZ on optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a potential biomarker for visual outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 38 eyes with SRF associated with BRVO.
• Classification of eyes based on foveal EZ integrity on vertical OCT images: intact vs. disruptive.
• Further classification of intact EZ eyes into clear vs. blurred categories.
• Correlation analysis between baseline EZ status and 12-month best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Main Results:

• Baseline EZ status significantly correlated with 12-month visual acuity (p = 0.0028).
• Eyes with an intact EZ showed significantly better visual prognosis compared to those with a disruptive EZ (p < 0.001).
• No significant difference in visual acuity was observed between clear and blurred EZ groups.

Conclusions:

• Baseline foveal EZ status is a significant predictor of visual prognosis in eyes with SRF secondary to BRVO.
• Intact EZ on initial vertical OCT imaging serves as a novel biomarker for improved visual outcomes.
• OCT-based assessment of EZ integrity offers valuable prognostic information for BRVO patients with SRF.