[Prospects of the use of decompression surgery of the optic nerve in atrophy of vascular etiology].

The technique of decompression surgery on the optic nerve in vascular atrophy has been developed. Optic disk staining grew more intensive, visual field widened, and vision acuity improved after such surgery. Results of fluorescent angiography of the fundus oculi and ultrasonic dopplerography evidence an essential improvement of the blood stream in the central retinal artery after the operation. The positive effect of surgery persisted over the entire follow-up period (8 months). The authors consider that enlargement of the inner diameter of the posterior scleral ring permits a more loose disposition of the vessels and fibers of the optic nerve in this ring, this being conducive to better circulation in the optic disk and retina.