Risks of Not Treating Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion?
AUG 28, 2014
Question:
What are the risks if you leave branch retinal vein occlusion untreated?
Answer:
At least 50% of eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (or BRVO, a blockage of the small veins in the back of the eye) will improve on their own with clearing of hemorrhages and improvement in vision. Of the half that do not improve, the risks are permanent vision loss from retinal swelling or the development of abnormal blood vessels (retinal neovascularization) which can cause more severe bleeding. In both circumstances, a high percentage will respond to treatment. I recommend seeing an ophthalmologist who can diagnose and treat your BRVO.