Histopathologic Findings After Radial Optic Neurotomy in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Accepted 26 July 2005. published online 21 October 2005.
Purpose
Radial optic neurotomy (RON) in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a novel strategy that is aimed at relief of mechanical pressure on the central retinal vein. We report on histopathologic findings in a human eye 18 weeks after RON.
Design
Interventional case report.
Methods
Eighteen weeks after RON for ischemic CRVO, an eye was enucleated because of neovascular glaucoma and examined histologically.
Results
Histopathologic evidence demonstrated displaced fragments of Bruch’s membrane surrounded by retinal tissue at the nasal side of the papilla. A discrete scar was noted at this site that reached the cribriform plate without involving the adjacent sclera or the retinal vessels. The optic nerve showed advanced atrophy with a small temporal sector of viable nerve fibers.
Conclusions
Histopathologic findings after RON do not provide evidence for the postulated mechanism of action. It appears prudent to further evaluate this technique before its general implementation in the management of CRVO.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
Inquiries to Karin U. Loeffler, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str 2, D-53127 Bonn, Germany; fax: 49-228-287-4817
ABSTRACT