Exudative retinal detachment subsequent to central retinal vein occlusion

Background/Purpose. To investigate the risk factors, visual prognosis and characteristics of exudative retinal detachment in six patients with central retinal vein occlusion. Methods. We retrospectively enrolled six patients in whom a diagnosis of exudative retinal detachment subsequent to central retinal vein occlusion was made during the period 1 July 1996 to 1 July 2001. All patients had undergone complete ophthalmic examinations including slit lamp, indirect ophthalmoscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, fluorescein angiography, and echographic studies and all patients were followed on a monthly basis. Results. The time interval between the occurrence of vein occlusion and exudative retinal detachment ranged from two months to six months in five eyes, and was uncertain in one eye. Exudative retinal detachment involved the inferior retina in five eyes (83%), and was near the posterior pole in one eye (17%). Neovascular glaucoma or rubeosis iridis developed in five eyes (83%). Five patients had a history of hypertension and one had a history of hyperlipidemia. Retinal photocoagulation was performed in each patient. The visual prognosis was very poor in the eyes with neovascular glaucoma (no light perception in two eyes, light perception in one eye), and poor in eyes without neovascular glaucoma (hand motion in one eye, counting fingers in one eye and 20/1000 in eye). Conclusion. Massive exudative retinal detachment is a rare complication of central retinal vein occlusion. We found that there is a high incidence of neovascular glaucoma among patients with this condition.