Warfarin ® Potassium for Impending Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: We reviewed the records of 10 patients who had impending central retinal vein occlusion in order to judge whether anticoagulant treatment with warfarin potassium Warfarin ® was indicated. Patients: Six men and four women, ranging in age from 25 to 83 (average 55) years were studied. Results: Of 6 eyes, retinal hemorrhage disappeared completely within 6 months. Four patients whose visual acuity was 0.1 or less at one month needed photocoagulation. Four other patients whose late venous circulation time at fluorescein angiography improved within 30 seconds had good visual prognosis. Three eyes of four patients aged 65 or older were not successful in regaining their visual acuity. Conclusion: Warfarin ® was not effective for patients who had clearly lost their visual acuity and the elderly in this series. Late venous circulation time at fluorescein angiography was a useful index for this treatment.