PURPOSE: To evaluate visual field defects after radial optic neurotomy (RON) in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: Eight patients (eight eyes) underwent RON for macular edema associated with CRVO. Goldmann perimetry was performed on each patient both before and after surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative Goldmann perimetry showed a temporally located wedge-shaped visual field defect consistent with neural damage secondary to RON in seven eyes (88%). After surgery, the visual field decreased from preoperative values by 7% at 3 months (P = 0.30) and by 21% at 12 months (P = 0.0023). Although three patients (38%) were aware of the postoperative visual field defect, only one patient (13%) considered this defect to be a visual disability. CONCLUSIONS: After RON, most patients showed a postoperative defect in the temporal visual field consistent with the incision to the optic disk. However, this visual field defect appears to be well tolerated by most patients.
PURPOSE: To evaluate visual field defects after radial optic neurotomy (RON) in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: Eight patients (eight eyes) underwent RON for macular edema associated with CRVO. Goldmann perimetry was performed on each patient both before and after surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative Goldmann perimetry showed a temporally located wedge-shaped visual field defect consistent with neural damage secondary to RON in seven eyes (88%). After surgery, the visual field decreased from preoperative values by 7% at 3 months (P = 0.30) and by 21% at 12 months (P = 0.0023). Although three patients (38%) were aware of the postoperative visual field defect, only one patient (13%) considered this defect to be a visual disability. CONCLUSIONS: After RON, most patients showed a postoperative defect in the temporal visual field consistent with the incision to the optic disk. However, this visual field defect appears to be well tolerated by most patients.