To investigate the visual field (VF) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) status of the fellow eyes in patients with unilateral retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Fifty patients with unilateral RVO and 35 normal control subjects wereconsecutively recruited. Humphrey VF parameters and RNFL status using scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx-VCC) were compared between the fellow eyes of the patients with unilateral RVO and control eyes. We also assessed the risk factors for the development of glaucomatous damage in the fellow eyes of unilateral RVO patients.

Twelve fellow eyes out of 50 patients with unilateral RVO showed glaucomatous VF and RNFL changes assessed by GDx-VCC. VF indices and RNFL thickness parameters in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( p <0.05). Increased age and vertical cup-to-disc ratio were significantly associated with severity of VF and RNFL damage in the fellow eye of unilateral RVO patients ( p <0.05).

The fellow eyes in patients with unilateral RVO showed significantly worse VF indices and lower RNFL thickness than normal control eyes. The glaucomatous change should be carefully monitored in the fellow eyes of unilateral RVO patients.