Presumed occlusion of posterior ciliary arteries following central retinal vein decompression surgery.

OBJECTIVE

Sectioning of the posterior scleral ring has been advocated in the treatment of central retinal vein occlusion. We reviewed cases in which this surgery apparently produced sectioning or closure of the short and long posterior ciliary arteries that resulted in a triangular area of choroidal ischemia and permanent chorioretinal lesions.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Clinic-based vitreoretinal referral practice.

PATIENTS

Four eyes of three patients whose ages ranged from 17 to 53 years underwent sectioning of the posterior scleral rings as treatment for central retinal vein occlusion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Findings from complete ophthalmologic evaluation.

RESULTS

All patients had either an oval or a triangular area of choroidal ischemia nasal to the optic disc and had permanent chorioretinal lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Valid basis for performing this operation requires further investigation.