Comparative analysis of methods for the treatment of chronic ischemic retinopathy associated with hemodynamically significant stenosis of the internal carotid artery

Purpose. Evaluation of the effectiveness of methods for the treatment of chronic ischemic retinopathy associated with hemodynamically significant stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Material and methods. 40 patients were included in the research (25 men, 15 women) with grade 3 chronic ischemic retinopathy (CIR) aged 61 to 75 years (average 73 ± 6.2). Depending on the treatment, the patients were divided into 2 groups. The 1st group 20 people who received combined treatment. The 1st stage was laser coagulation of retinal nonperfusion zones. Then, after 2 weeks, during the 2nd stage carotid endarterectomy (CE) of the ICA was performed. The 2nd group 20 people who underwent CE ICA. In addition to standard research methods, Doppler ultrasound was performed (Logiqe, General Electric, USA). Results. The use of a staged approach to the treatment of severe CIR led to an improvement in functional parameters and reduced the period of rehabilitation of patients after the treatment by 2 times. Conclusion. The technology of staged treatment of CIR proposed by us makes it possible to stop the progression of retinal ischemia, to avoid the occurrence of complications that lead to loss of vision. Keywords: chronic ischemic retinopathy, panretinal laser coagulation of the retina, ocular ischemic syndrome, internal carotid artery