Modified YAG laser treatment of retinal artery occlusion

Transluminal Nd: YAG laser embolysis (TYE) is a method for the treatment of retinal artery occlusion (RAO). The objective of this study was to improve methods and reevaluate the efficacy and safety of modified TYE (MTYE) for the treatment of RAO with visible emboli in the fundus. We included non-arteritis RAO with fundus emboli visible in patients whose onset time was less than one month and who did not respond to conventional therapy. Seventeen patients (17 eyes) received MTYE treatment, and Fluorescence Fundus Angiography (FFA) was used to determine retinal artery flow recanalization changes before and after treatment. Compared with before MTYE, BCVA after treatment improved, and the results were statistically significant. BCVA (logMAR) was significantly improved at the last examination, changing from 1.23 ± 0.75 to 0.74 ± 0.7 (p < 0.001). Reperfusion was achieved in 15 eyes (88%), which was the initial surgery for treating RAO. During the follow-up period, vitreous hemorrhage occurred in two cases and two eyes, which were completely absorbed after one month of drug treatment, and no serious adverse reactions occurred in other patients. Therefore, MTYE can be used as an effective and safe treatment for RAO patients with visible emboli in the fundus. Data Access Statement: No.