Criteria for improving visual acuity in ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusion using argon laser

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Abstract
Purpose To re-assess the value of argon laser treatment for macular oedema in ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusion (I-BRVO). Methods Case series consisting of three patients with macular oedema following I-BRVO. Three patients were studied including two patients where ischaemia extended to include the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), with additional retinal neovascularisation in one of these. Heavy, overlapping areas of treatment were applied to the ischaemic retina up to 500 microns from the fovea. Results All cases in the series benefited from significantly improved visual acuity. In one case laser was given several years after the initial retinal vasculopathy. Conclusions Argon laser treatment may improve visual acuity in I-BRVO even with severe ischaemia extending into the FAZ. Treatment intensity must be sufficient to destroy ischaemic retina. Visual benefit may last for several years, and treatment can be undertaken several years after I-BRVO. The benefit to visual acuity of argon laser treatment in I-BRVO needs to be re-assessed in a prospective study.