A branch retinal vein occlusion occurs when, because of hardening of the arteries, a branch retinal artery compresses a branch retinal vein causing blockage of the vein and decreased circulation in the distribution of that branch retinal vein. (see image on the right) [note: the branch arteries are really arteriols and the branch veins are really veinules]

 

There are several possible treatments for branch retinal vein occlusion including intravitreal injections, laser, and even surgery. If you click on the above tab, showing the results of the recent BRAVO trial, you can see the effect of Lucentis on visual acuity in patients with BRVO. At this moment, Lucentis is the most effective treatment for patients with BRVO who have macular edema.

 

Patients with BRVO lose vision for several reasons: poor circulation, hemorrhage and macular edema (swelling). There is no treatment, at the moment, to increase circulation or to remove hemorrhage. The macular edema, however, does respond well to intravitreal injections with Lucentis, Avastin, or steroids.

 

 

 

 

In BRAVO, 61% of LUCENTIS patients gained ≥15 letters at month 6:

This study compared monthly injections with Lucentis to monthly sham (placebo) treatments. The patients treated with Lucentis did much better than those treated without Lucentis.

 

65% of patients achieved VA of 20/40 or better with monthly LUCENTIS

In BRAVO, 0.8% of LUCENTIS patients had BCVA ≤20/200 at month 6 versus 9.1% with sham (P<0.01).

 

Ozurdex steroid implant for BRVO:

 

 

Patients treated with ozuredex implant did better than patients not treated with the implant.