BRVO

This stands for Branch Retina Vein Occlusion. This occurs when one of the veins leaving the eye becomes blocked. With this blockage, blood can’t drain out of the retina, so it backs up into the retinal tissue instead. This causes swelling, then hemorrhage, with resulting vision loss. The amount of visual change is quite variable and depends upon where the blockage occurs.  The occlusion eventually clears and the blood resorbs but sometimes macular edema can persist. This may need further treatment such as anti-VEGF injections (Avastin) or FLT grid laser to reduce the swelling. Neovascularization can also occur after a BRVO, though we see this more with larger CRVO.