Branch Retinal Vein Occlusions: A Review

Abstract

Introduction: Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disease with a prevalence of 0.8%. The Branch Vein Occlusion Study was the first trial to show efficacy of treatment of macular oedema in BRVO with grid laser which was considered the gold standard for several years. Since then several other studies have been done on various classes of drugs and surgery and there are great strides that have been made in enhancing the visual and anatomical outcome. In this review article, we did a pubmed search of publications done over the years on the natural history of BRVO as well as the treatment options. The studies included clinical trials, systematic reviews and case reports.

Results: Currently anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (AntiVEGFs) appear to have the best outcomes in terms of anatomical and visual recovery. Other therapies that have shown promise are the intravitreal steroids, grid laser, antiVEGFs and steroids combined with lasers. Parsplana vitrectomy appears to be as efficacious as antiVEGF but is very invasive and no good clinical trials have been done yet.

Conclusion: Great strides have been made in improving the outcome of BRVO especially the macular oedema if prompt and correct treatment is administered to the patient.