Improvements after sheathotomy for branch retinal vein occlusion documented by optical coherence tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscope

Abstract

A 55-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity of 20/400 and central foveal thickness of 450 microm as measured using optical coherence tomography due to a superior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion. Adventitial sheathotomy was performed with a 25-gauge sutureless transconjunctival vitrectomy system. At 1 day, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively, visual acuity improved to 20/80, 20/40, and 20/30 OS, respectively; central foveal thickness decreased to 228, 195, and 161 microm, respectively; and the scanning laser ophthalmoscope microperimetry showed improved retinal sensitivity and fixation pattern with more stable and central fixation at both postoperative visits. This case indicates optical coherence tomography can detect an early positive effect of sheathotomy surgery on macular edema, and scanning laser ophthalmoscope can document associated improvement in fixation stability.