Epiretinal membrane and traction retinal detachment complicating laser-induced chorioretinal venous anastomosis.

PURPOSE: To report a patient with a sight-threatening complication of laser-induced chorioretinal venous anastomosis for treatment of central retinal vein occlusion.

METHOD: A 69-year-old woman with a nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion underwent focal argon laser photocoagulation treatment to create a chorioretinal venous anastomosis.

RESULTS

Massive preretinal fibrosis and traction retinal detachment developed over the area of argon laser photocoagulation, which required vitreous surgery.

CONCLUSION

Laser-induced chorioretinal venous anastomosis to treat central retinal vein occlusion can be associated with severe complications, underscoring the need for additional study of this new treatment modality.