This is the macular OCT (ocular coherence tomography) of a 65 year old man who suffered a right branch retinal vein occlusion six months ago. His visual acuity was right eye 6/18 and left eye 6/6. 

a. What does the picture show (F refers to the foveola)?

Answer
Cystoid macular oedema in the fovea.

Multiple cystic spaces in the retina in the foveal region. 

These cystic spaces are the result of cystic macular oedema. 

 

b. Is focal argon laser useful in this condition?

Answer
OCT does not provide sufficient information whether the patient
will benefit from argon laser treatment. Based on the Branch Retinal
Vein Occlusion Study, argon laser treatment is only useful for macular oedema if the patient has:
a. vision of 6/12 or less at least three months after branch retinal
vein occlusion
b. the capillary network is intact in the fovea region.
It is essential to perform fluorescein angiography to find out if the capillary network in this patient is intact.

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