Analysis of risk factors and comparison of heparin and hemodilution therapies for retinal artery occlusion

No standards are available for the treatment of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). The aim of this study was to compare data about visual acuity development under heparin treatment with those from hemodilution. Data on 139 patients suffering from CRAO between 1991 and 2000 were examined retrospectively. Risk factors were listed. Therapies were compared in 38 of these patients, 23 of whom received full heparinization and 15 of whom received hemodilution. Many risk factors were shown. Neither therapy showed serious complications. Visual acuity improved significantly, by three or more lines,in five of 23 patients (21.7%) under full heparinization and six of 15 patients (40%) receiving hemodilution. Differences were not significant. For ethical reasons, the normal cause of disease in these patients cannot be studied and is still unknown. Because of many vascular risk factors, we recommend adapted therapies. Treatments should be examined in controlled studies.