[On the treatment of acute arterial circulatory disturbances of the retina and optic nerve (author's transl)].

After discussing basic therapeutic principles for the treatment of acute arterial occlusions of the retina and N. opticus (fibrinolysis, anticoagulation, corticoids, vasoactive drugs) the problems in employment of vasodilating drugs and the necessity of concomitant administration of strophanthine or digitalisglycosides are outlined. Results obtained after the administration of 3,7-Dimethyl-1-(5-oxo-hexyl)-xanthine (Pentoxifylline, Trental) in the treatment of 49 cases suffering from occlusion of the retinal vessels and 23 cases with vascular occlusion in the N. opticus are reported and commented with a view to the bad prognosis of these serious disorders, 55% of the patients showing definite improvement of visual acuity. Therapeutic guidelines resulting from these experiences are presented.