Exudative retinal detachment subsequent to retinal vein occlusion

Previous studies have shown the possible development of exudative retinal detachment (ERD) as a complication of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Considering 473 consecutive cases of RVO, only 3 cases of ERD with peculiar clinical aspects were discovered. In the first case, the ERD followed a branch RVO, but it developed in the opposite quadrant, with a late occurrence of venous retinal collaterals. In the second case, the ERD developed after a central RVO, having a retinoschisis aspect, with the subsequent occurrence of optic disk collateral vessels. In the third case, the ERD was secondary to a hemicentral RVO and involved the entire macular area. The pathogenesis of the ERD subsequent to RVO is still debated. Our experience seems to indicate that the ERD pathogenesis is linked not only to an inability of the draining vascular system, but also to an impairment in the function of the retinal pigment epithelium.