Branch retinal vein occlusion and its management.

The natural course of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion is determined by the site and completeness of the occlusion, the integrity of arterial perfusion to the affected sector and the efficiency of the developing collateral circulation. Most patients with tributary vein occlusion have some capillary fall out and microvascular incompetence in the distribution of the affected retina and vision is significantly compromised in over 50% of patients who have either chronic macular oedema or ischemia involving the perifoveolar arcades. Retinal and capillary vasoproliferation with or without intraretinal or preretinal membrane formation are common sequelae, where inner retinal ischemia is extensive and vitreous hemorrhage is often a distinct threat to vision. Treatment of the sequelae of vein occlusion are largely centered on laser photocoagulation to diseased retina to limit fluid accumulation and abolish preretinal and papillary neovascularization. Vitrectomy and retinal detachment procedures are occasionally required in patients with uncontrolled vitreous hemorrhage and retinal membrane formation which threatens the integrity of the macula. A small proportion of patients with vein occlusion subsequent to vasculitis require medical therapy.