How does branch retinal vein occlusion affect vision?
Branch retinal vein occlusion can affect the vision in a number of ways. Poor blood flow (ischemia) through the center of the retina (macula) can severely decrease the vision. Additionally, exudation and bleeding from the capillaries can cause swelling in the macula (macular edema), which also leads to visual loss. Poor blood flow can also lead to development of abnormal new vessels (neovascularization) not only in the retina, but also in the front part of the eye (rubeosis iridis). These new vessels can lead to development of bleeding in the eye (vitreous hemorrhage) and/or increased eye pressure (neovascular glaucoma). Rarely, scar tissue can form on the surface of the macula causing macular pucker formation. Another rare complication is the development of retinal detachment. Who is at risk of developing branch retinal vein occlusion? Branch retinal vein occlusion typically occurs after age 50 with peak incidence between ages 50 and 70. An increased risk for development of branch ret
