Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) can lead to significant vision loss if not addressed. Our dedicated Retina Specialists provide the expertise to effectively diagnose and treat this condition. Find a top ophthalmologist near you today for personalized care.
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) is a condition where one of the smaller veins in the retina becomes blocked, leading to a disruption in normal blood flow and causing swelling in the affected area. This blockage can result in blurred vision or even vision loss, especially when it impacts the macula—the central area of the retina that helps you see fine details. Our Retina Specialists are dedicated to helping you understand BRVO and guiding you through the steps necessary to protect and preserve your vision.
Think of your retina as the film in a camera—it captures the images that you see and sends them to your brain. For it to work properly, your retina relies on a healthy network of blood vessels that deliver oxygen and remove waste. BRVO occurs when one of the branches of the main retinal vein gets blocked, much like a traffic jam on a busy street, causing blood and fluid to back up into the retina. This backup can result in leakage and swelling, particularly in the macula, which may lead to issues ranging from mild blurriness to significant vision loss if not addressed promptly.
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) is a common cause of vision loss, affecting approximately 180,000 eyes annually in the United States, with up to 80% of retinal vein occlusions being BRVO.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see an eye doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help preserve vision. Here are the common symptoms:
The most common symptom is a sudden, painless loss of vision or blurred vision in part of the eye. This can occur suddenly or worsen over several hours or days.
Seeing floaters or dark spots in the field of vision is common due to blood leakage into the vitreous gel.
BRVO can cause loss of peripheral vision, especially if the affected area is not central.
Some people may experience distorted or wavy vision due to the occlusion.
In some cases, BRVO may not produce noticeable symptoms if the affected area is not in the central part of the eye.
BRVO is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50, and its occurrence increases with age because of the cumulative effects of vascular conditions. However, it is not exclusive to older adults. Some individuals with a predisposition to blood clots or other circulatory issues may experience BRVO even younger, though these cases are less common. If you have any of these conditions, managing them carefully through medication, lifestyle modifications, and regular check-ups is important not only for your overall health but also for the health of your eyes.
The primary risk factors for BRVO include:
Uncontrolled hypertension is a major contributor to the development of BRVO.
Poorly managed blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time.
Chronic increased pressure in the eye can compromise blood flow through the retina.
Hardening of the arteries directly affects how blood flows in the retinal vessels.
Elevated cholesterol levels contribute to plaque formation and vessel narrowing.
Damaging the blood vessels through smoking can increase the risk of occlusions.
Early and accurate diagnosis of BRVO is crucial for preserving your vision. When you visit our office with symptoms or concerns about changes in your vision, our Retina Specialists will perform a thorough dilated eye exam to inspect the back of your eye. The dilated exam allows us to see the retina clearly and check for any signs of bleeding, swelling, or abnormal blood vessel activity.
Several advanced imaging tools play a vital role in diagnosing BRVO:
This non-invasive scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. It helps our Retina Specialists examine the thickness of the retinal layers and detect areas where fluid has accumulated due to swelling.
In this test, a small amount of yellow dye is injected into your arm. A special camera then captures a series of images as the dye travels through your retinal blood vessels. This imaging technique highlights areas where blood might be leaking or where circulation is impaired, offering a clear picture of the blockages.
In cases where you are younger or if there is a need to check for underlying conditions like diabetes, abnormal blood clotting tendencies, or high cholesterol, our Retina Specialists might recommend blood tests. These tests help guide the overall management plan for your eye health.
Anti-VEGF injections are one of the most common treatments for reducing macular edema in BRVO. These injections work by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that contributes to leaking blood vessels. By reducing the activity of VEGF, the swelling in the retina is decreased, and vision can improve over time.
Because the medication wears off gradually, multiple injections over several months may be required. Another related option is the use of intraocular steroid injections or implants, which work similarly to reduce swelling. While steroids can effectively combat inflammation, they do come with risks such as an increase in eye pressure or the progression of cataracts. Our Retina Specialists will carefully consider your overall eye health when recommending these options.
If you're experiencing any symptoms of BRVO, don't hesitate to contact our Retina Specialists today. We are committed to providing personalized care to protect your vision. Schedule an appointment to find out more about your treatment options.
In certain cases, laser therapy is used to manage BRVO, particularly when macular edema is persistent or when abnormal blood vessels begin to form due to ischemia (poor blood flow). There are two primary types of laser treatments:
The decision to use laser treatment is tailored to your specific condition, and it’s often used in combination with medication injections to achieve optimal outcomes.
Because BRVO is frequently linked to systemic health issues, addressing these factors is a critical part of treatment. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels can help manage the conditions that increase the likelihood of developing BRVO. Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking are proactive steps you can take to protect your overall vascular health.
Our Retina Specialists may also work in coordination with your primary care provider to ensure that your systemic conditions are being managed effectively, which in turn helps to maintain the health of your retinal blood vessels.
While many patients experience an improvement in symptoms with timely treatment, complications can arise if BRVO is left untreated or if it becomes severe. One of the most concerning complications is retinal neovascularization. This condition involves the growth of abnormal new blood vessels on the retina in response to areas of poor blood supply (ischemia).
These new vessels are fragile and can lead to further problems, such as vitreous hemorrhage—where blood leaks into the clear gel inside your eye—resulting in additional floaters or even more vision loss. In some cases, retinal neovascularization may also increase the risk for retinal detachment or contribute to the development of glaucoma.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent BRVO, but you can significantly reduce your risk of complications by managing the underlying factors. Here are some proactive steps you might consider:
Control Your Blood Pressure
Since hypertension is a leading risk factor for BRVO, working with your healthcare provider to keep your blood pressure within a healthy range is essential.
Regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain your overall vascular health, reducing the likelihood of vessel damage in your eyes.
Smoking damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina. Quitting or avoiding smoking can help lower your risk.
Staying active promotes healthy blood circulation, which benefits the delicate vessels in your eyes.
Consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps support overall cardiovascular and eye health.
Especially if you belong to a higher-risk group, regular visits to our office for comprehensive eye exams allow us to catch changes early and intervene before significant vision loss occurs.
After a diagnosis of BRVO, consistent follow-up is key. Our Retina Specialists will work closely with you to monitor your condition, often scheduling regular imaging tests like OCT and performing dilated eye exams to check for any changes in the retina.
During these appointments, we will assess whether treatment adjustments are needed. For example, if you are receiving anti-VEGF injections, the frequency of these treatments might be modified based on how well your retina responds. Likewise, if laser therapy or steroid treatments are part of your care plan, we will monitor for both effectiveness and any side effects such as increased eye pressure.
The goal of these ongoing evaluations is to catch any progression of the condition early and to address complications before they develop into more significant problems. This continuous care approach helps ensure that your vision remains as stable as possible over time.
If you're experiencing any symptoms of BRVO, don't hesitate to contact our Retina Specialists today. We are committed to providing personalized care to protect your vision. Schedule an appointment to find out more about your treatment options.
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) can cause vision loss. Our experts help you understand the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
