Retinal Artery Reperfusion After Translumenal YAG Laser Embolysis in a Case of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: To present a potential treatment for embolic branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). Methods: A 75-year-old man with a 5-day history of an acute superior visual field defect in the right eye was found to have a BRAO secondary to a Hollenhorst plaque and was treated with translumenal YAG laser embolysis. Results: Reperfusion of the retinal artery was observed on dislodging the Hollenhorst plaque, and improvements were seen in the patient’s superior visual field defect. Conclusions: Translumenal YAG laser embolysis could potentially reverse ischemia secondary to embolic RAOs. This case report and the current literature cited suggest a rationale for treatment and supports the further study of this technique.