THE BELGIAN OPHTHALMIC ASSOCIATIONS
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This abstract is assigned to session BOG-SBO 1 Medische retina/ Rétine médicale
| Title | Laser Photocoagulation to prevent Retinal Detachment in Acute Retinal Necrosis |
| Abstract Nr. | A1017 |
| Purpose | Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN) is a relatively rare but aggressive retinitis in immuno-competent patients. Retinal detachment (RD) occurs in more than 75% of patients and is a main factor in visual prognosis. We studied the benefit of early laser photocoagulation in ARN on retinal detachment rate and visual outcome. |
| Methods | Retrospective study : 26 eyes of 21 patients (5 bilateral involvement) with ARN were included in the study. All patients received intravenous antiviral treatment for 1 week, followed by oral therapy for a further 6 to 8 weeks. Laser photocoagulation was performed in 17 eyes. RD rate and visual outcome were studied. |
| Results | RD occurred in 7 of 9 (78%) eyes that did not receive laser photocoagulation, and in 6 of 17 (35%) treated eyes (p = 0.039). There was no significant difference in delay of laser therapy between patients who did or did not develop RD (p = 0.38), and the use of steroids in combination with the antiviral treatment (n=11) did not influence RD rate (p=0.691). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the last visit (follow up 3.7y (0.4-12y) [mean(range)] was significantly different between groups (p=0.022) : BCVA With laser : 0.39 ± 0.17 (snellen : mean ± SD), BCVA without laser : 0.19 ± 0.11. |
| Conclusion | in this small retrospective study, laser photocoagulation reduced the RD rate in ARN and was correlated with a better visual outcome. Although there is a link between laser photocoagulation and RD rate, BCVA should be regarded cautiously, as central retina and optic nerve involvement are important for visual prognosis as well. |
Author 1
| Last name | MISSOTTEN |
| Initials | T |
| Department | Moorfields Eye Hospital |
| City | London UK |
Author 2
| Last name | LAU |
| Initials | C |
| Department | Moorfields Eye Hospital |
| City | London UK |
Author 3
| Last name | LIGHTMAN |
| Initials | S |
| Department | Moorfields Eye Hospital |
| City | London UK |