[Central and branch retinal vein occlusion. Current strategies for treatment in Germany, Austria and Switzerland].

BACKGROUND: The main object of this study was to find out what treatment methods are currently preferred for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

METHODS: A questionnaire concerning the different medicamentous, surgical and laser treatments available for CRVO and BRVO was developed and sent out to the members of the German Retina Society.

RESULTS: This analysis is based on 124 returned questionnaires. We found that 64% of our colleagues recommend isovolemic hemodilution in patients with CRVO. Pentoxyfyllin infusions are endorsed by 32% and 27%, respectively, for CRVO and BRVO. Panretinal photocoagulation is applied only if neovascularization is present by 39% of those responding, whereas 61% perform prophylactic photocoagulation when there is no visible neovascularization, depending on the degree of ischemia. In the case of macular edema due to BRVO 52% recommend macular grid photocoagulation. Sheathotomy is recommended by 51% for BRVO suggest, and 43% advise radial optic neurotomy (RON) for CRVO. Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone is performed for CRVO or BRVO by 58% and 56%, respectively, and para-bulbar injection of triamcinolone by 2% and 3%. Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment is applied by 72% of respondents, the majority (94%) using bevacizumab for this purpose.

CONCLUSION: Members of the German Retina Society apply widely differing treatments in patients with CRVO and BRVO. Further clinical studies to evaluate the different therapeutic options seem necessary in order to set up guidelines for the treatment of venous retinal occlusions.