retinal vein occlusion

[patm]

I have been diagnosed with central vein occlusion and have macular edema.  I have been advised to have an injection in my eye of Avastin.  What is your opinion?  The occlusion happened about 41/2 months ago and my vision got a little better but a couple of months ago got worse again.  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If you are seeing a board-certified ophthalmologist that is a fellowship trained retinal specialist, then you are probably in very good hands.  A CRVO is a very serious problem and you need to understand that your ophthalmologist is working to preserve the small amount of vision that  you have left.  Avastin/Lucentis has been found to be quite effective with neovascularization and problems of the retina particularly age related macular degeneration.  It may have some effect for your condition but it is an off label use of the drug.  Good Luck.

Michael Kutryb, MD

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Panretinal laser is sometimes needed for neovascularization of the retina or neovascular glaucoma.  Basically your treatment options are observation only, retinal laser treatment, and Lucentis/Avastin injections.  The actual best treatment will depend on your individual findings.  If you have a true ischemic CRVO (and not just a partial CRVO, or non-ischemic CRVO) you overall prognosis for visual recovery is very, very bad.  Often, visual acuity end up at 20/200, 20/400 or worse.   I've seen a few very unusual cases that did better, but that is not the norm.  This is one of the very worst possible eye problems you can get.  

MJK MD

[patm]

Do you know of any other treatments for this condition?  Thank you.