Influence of ischemia on visual function in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion and macular edema

Visual function and retinal morphology were investigated to elucidate the influence of ischemia in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and macular edema. In 41 consecutive patients with BRVO aged 68.9 ± 10.0 years (22 women and 19 men), the area of capillary nonperfusion was measured by fluorescein angiography. Retinal thickness and retinal volume were measured by optical coherence tomography, and mean retinal sensitivity was calculated for each of 9 macular subfields. Mean visual acuity and macular sensitivity within the central subfield were not significantly correlated with the nonperfused area. However, the macular sensitivity within the central 5 subfields and all 9 subfields showed significant negative correlations with the nonperfused area. Also, macular thickness and volume within all 9 subfields were significantly correlated with the nonperfused area. In conclusion, evaluation of both the fovea and the entire macular region may be important in patients with ischemic BRVO.