IMPACT OF RETINAL ISCHEMIA ON FUNCTIONAL AND ANATOMICAL OUTCOMES AFTER ANTI–VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the impact of the classification of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) into ischemic or nonischemic forms on outcomes after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients with RVO evaluated at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust between July 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015. Outcomes, including gain of ≥10 and ≥15 letters at 12 months, mean change in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline to 12 months, resolution of macular edema at 12 months, and development of neovascular complications and epiretinal membrane after anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, were compared between ischemic and nonischemic eyes using regression models. Results: One hundred and seventeen eyes (115 patients), 58 with central RVO and 59 with branch RVO, were included. A greater proportion of eyes with ischemic branch RVO gained ≥10 and ≥15 letters at 12 months than those with nonischemic branch RVO (P = 0.005 and P = 0.016, respectively). No statistically significant differences in visual outcomes were observed between ischemic and nonischemic central RVO. Retinal vein occlusion classification was not associated with anatomical outcomes after treatment. Conclusion: Findings support the use of anti–vascular endothelial growth factors in ischemic and nonischemic forms of RVO.