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. 2021 Jan-Feb;37(1):71-75.
doi: 10.12669/pjms.37.1.3196.

Efficacy of YAG Laser Embolysis in Retinal Artery Occlusion

Mohammad Asim Mehboob  1 , Asfandyar Khan  2 , Ahsan Mukhtar  3
Affiliations

Efficacy of YAG Laser Embolysis in Retinal Artery Occlusion

Mohammad Asim Mehboob et al. Pak J Med Sci. 2021 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the anatomical and functional success between conventional medical method and Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser embolysis in retinal artery occlusion.

Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO) Rawalpindi from July 2018 to May 2020. A total of 14 eyes of 14 patients were received with fovea involving branch or hemiretinal artery occlusion within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. They were divided randomly in two groups. Initial treatment was given to all cases, and seven eyes received Nd:YAG laser treatment for embolysis. Both groups were analysed for anatomical success (reperfusion) and functional success (defined as improvement in visual acuity to better than 6/60 on Snellen's visual acuity chart from baseline visual acuity).

Results: In conventional group, anatomical success was achieved in 2 (28.6%) eyes, while significant visual improvement was seen in 3 (42.8%) eyes. In Nd:YAG laser embolysis group, anatomical success was achieved in 5 (71.4%) eyes, while significant visual improvement was seen in 6 (85.7%) eyes. All eyes which showed functional improvement underwent Nd:YAG laser embolysis within 6 hours of onset of symptoms.

Conclusions: Nd: YAG laser embolysis is more effective in management of fovea threatening retinal artery occlusion, as compared to conventional medical treatment, if performed within six hours of onset of symptoms.

Keywords: Nd:YAG laser embolysis; Retinal artery occlusion; Vitreous hemorrhage.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None.

Figures

Fig.1
Fig.1
Fundus photograph of a patient with Hemiretinal artery occlusion, before and after YAG Embolysis.
Fig.2
Fig.2
Visual Field testing of same patient before and after laser treatment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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