Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Treatment at Retina Consultants P.C.
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) is a prevalent condition affecting the retinal blood vessels. It occurs when a smaller vein in the retina is blocked, causing fluid leakage, swelling, and bleeding in the affected area. Without expert treatment, BRVO can cause sudden, painless vision loss.
Complex ocular conditions like BRVO require advanced care. At Retina Consultants, P.C., our retina specialists provide advanced, evidence-based care for BRVO and other retinal diseases. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to protecting long-term vision. Visit any of our five offices in Connecticut and experience the best-in-class retinal care, rooted in compassion and a commitment to excellence.
What is Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?
Your retina relies on arteries and veins to efficiently circulate blood. Unfortunately, blockage can occur in these blood vessels, disrupting blood flow in the retina. When blockage happens in the main retinal vein, it’s called central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). However, blockage in a smaller vein is referred to as branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). When this happens, blood and fluid leak into the surrounding retinal tissue. Unlike CRVO, BRVO affects only a portion of the retina, so vision loss may be localized.
How do I know I have Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion?
If BRVO doesn’t affect the central part of the eye, it can go unnoticed because it doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. When symptoms develop, they include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Sudden vision loss in part of one eye
- Dark spots or missing areas in central vision
- Visual floaters
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, especially if macular swelling (macular edema) develops. Expert care is required to prevent complications.
What are the risk factors of BRVO?
Most BRVOs occur at an intersection between the retinal artery and vein (arteriovenous crossing). These blood vessels share a common sheath, so when the artery loses elasticity (as with atherosclerosis), the vein becomes compressed. A narrowed vein experiences increased pressure, which promotes clotting and can cause blockage and swelling. Reduced blood flow (ischemia) and macular edema contribute to reduced visual acuity.
Several systemic and ocular conditions increase the likelihood of BRVO, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
- Glaucoma
- Smoking
- Age over 50
Managing these underlying conditions plays an important role in both prevention and long-term eye health.
How do you diagnose BRVO?
Better diagnostics means better treatment outcomes. For BRVO, the objective of the diagnostic tool is to visualize swelling, leaking, or abnormal blood vessels.
The two common retinal imaging tests include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images to detect macular edema.
- Fluorescein Angiography (FA): Highlights areas of leakage, blockage, or abnormal blood vessel growth.
Precise diagnostics allow us to create a personalized treatment strategy tailored to your unique needs.
How is BRVO treated?
While the blocked vein itself cannot be “unclogged,” modern treatments are highly effective at managing complications and preserving vision.
- Anti-VEGF drugs: Injecting Avastin®, Lucentis®, or Eylea® into your eye reduces macular swelling and prevents abnormal blood vessel growth. Anti-VEGF drugs are often the first-line treatment and can significantly improve visual outcomes. However, you may need several retreatments to achieve the desired results.
- Laser therapy: We can apply laser pulses to treat areas of non-perfusion or prevent further complications.
- Steroid injections or implants: Your doctor may recommend intraocular steroids such as Ozurdex® if you don’t respond to anti-VEGF drugs.
BRVO treatment also includes addressing underlying conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. The objective is to provide a long-lasting solution to preserve your vision.
Are you looking for BRVO treatment in Connecticut?
With five locations across Connecticut, Retina Consultants, P.C. provides specialized retinal care close to home. Our experienced team is committed to preserving vision with personalized, compassionate care. Ready to get started? Contact any of our offices below:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
Enfield
If you experience sudden changes in vision, don’t wait. Prompt evaluation by a retina specialist can make a meaningful difference in protecting your sight.
