Ophthalmodynamometric assessment of the central retinal vein collapse pressure in eyes with retinal vein stasis or occlusion.

PURPOSE: Using a new Goldmann contact lens associated ophthalmodynamometric device, it was the purpose of the present study to determine the central retinal vein collapse pressure in eyes with retinal vein occlusions or retinal venous stasis.

METHODS: The prospective clinical non-interventional comparative study included 19 patients with central retinal vein occlusion ( n=8), branch retinal vein occlusion (n=4), or retinal venous stasis (n=7) and 42 subjects of a control group. With topical anesthesia, a Goldmann contact lens fitted with a pressure sensor was put onto the cornea. Pressure was exerted on the globe by pressing the contact lens, and the pressure value at the time when the central retinal vein started pulsating was noted.

RESULTS: Central retinal vein collapse pressure measured 103.6+/-25.4 arbitrary units (AU) in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion what was significantly higher than in the eyes with retinal venous stasis (58.1+/-37.5 AU; p=0.02) and the eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (43.8+/-25.5 AU; p=0.004). In the latter two groups, the measurements of the central retinal vein collapse pressure were significantly (p<0.001) higher than the measurements in the eyes of the control group (4.2+/-7.8 AU).

CONCLUSION: As measured by a new ophthalmodynamometer with direct biomicroscopic visualization of the central retinal vessels during examination, central retinal vein collapse pressure is significantly higher in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion, followed by eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion, eyes with retinal venous stasis and, finally, normal eyes. These findings may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications.