Neovascular complications after central retinal vein occlusion

An 8-year retrospective study of patients suffering a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) was undertaken to study secondary new vessel formation and whether pathologies known to predispose to CRVO influenced the occurrence of these neovascular complications and their responsiveness to treatment. Seventy-three patients were studied. Ocular neovascularisation had occurred in 60%. More specifically 39% developed neovascular glaucoma. Panretinal photocoagulation produced regression in only 37% of those with established neovascularisation and was unsuccessful in preventing neovascularisation in five patients treated prophylactically. Patients with pre-existing primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) were statistically more likely to develop ocular neovascularisation (p = 0.02), which was also less responsive to laser therapy (p = 0.02). Adequate prior glaucoma therapy did not protect against this enhanced complication rate. It was concluded that POAG is a significant risk factor for developing ocular neovascularisation after CRVO which will be refractory to laser therapy.