The impact of posterior vitreous adhesion on ischaemia in eyes with retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate whether posterior vitreous adhesion (PVA) contributes to retinal ischaemia in eyes suffering from central (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods Retrospective patient chart analysis of eyes with CRVO/BRVO receiving pars-plana vitrectomy (ppV). Prior to surgery fluorescence angiography was conducted to classify RVO as ischaemic or not. Results Sixty eyes were included, thereof 36 (60%)/24 (40%) with CRVO/BRVO. In the CRVO group, 17 (47%)/19 (53%) eyes were classified as ischaemic/non-ischaemic. Respective results for BRVO-affected eyes were 16 (67%)/8 (33%). PVA/posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was found in 33 (92%)/3 (8%) eyes with CRVO and in 23 (96%)/1 (4%) patients suffering from BRVO. Value differences of PVA/PVD between ischaemic- and non-ischaemic-typed RVO failed statistical significance for both, CRVO (p = 0.095) and BRVO (p = 1.0). Conclusions Posterior vitreous adhesion had no impact on retinal ischaemia in this investigation. As an attached posterior vitreous cortex acts as a scaffold and thus significantly increases neovascularization (NV) development in ischaemic-typed RVO, a prospective study evaluating the effect of enzymatic vitreolysis is indicated.