Laser-induced chorioretinal venous anastomosis for non-ischaemic hemi-central vein occlusion

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness and complications of laser-induced cho rioretinal venous anastomosis performed on eyes with non-ischaemic hemi-cen tral retinal vein occlusions (hemi-CRVO). Methods: Fourteen eyes with a hemi-CRVO which reduced the visual acuity to 6/24 or less were treated with argon laser photocoagulation in an attempt t o create a chorioretinal venous anastomosis between a retinal vein and the choroidal circulation. Results: Laser anastomoses were successfully created in six eyes (43%) and required a mean of 1.8 attempts in each eye. Of the eyes that developed an anastomosis, four had significant visual improvement. The distal retinal ve nous segment closed off in five eyes and these had prophylactic segmental a rgon pan-retinal photocoagulation performed. Two eyes had localized fibrova scular proliferation. No permanent vision-threatening complications were ob served in any of the 14 eyes over the follow-up period. Conclusions: Successful anastomosis between the retinal and choroidal circu lation in eyes with hemi-vein occlusions may reduce macular oedema and impr ove vision. Complications of the technique are significant and a randomized clinical trial is due to commence which may clarify the suitability of thi s treatment.