Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Published on March 12th, 2026

A branch retinal vein occlusion refers to when one of the smaller vein branches of the retina is blocked, according to Melbourne Retinal Surgeon. It is a type of Retinal Vein Occlusion. The result of this is a pressure buildup in the vein, resulting in poor oxygen supply. Read more about Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion such as causes, symptoms and treatment.

What Is Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is the blockage of one of the smaller veins that drains blood out of the retina. This condition affects the retinal vein, specifically the smaller branch retinal vein and can lead to eye issues such as blurry vision or vision loss, depending on the location and severity.

How Does Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Affect the Retinal Blood Vessels?

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) affects the retinal blood vessels when the retinal artery lies on top of a retinal vein, which in turn can harden the artery due to high blood pressure compressing the vein, according to Retina Doctor. This can stop the blood from flowing through the vein, leading to a pressure build-up in the smaller veins and capillaries that typically drain the blood.

Does Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Block the Flow of Blood in Retinal Veins?

Yes, Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) blocks the flow of blood in retinal veins. BRVO occurs when a blockage develops in one of the smaller retinal veins, according to the Armadale Eye Clinic.

What Causes Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

The common cause of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a blockage in the retinal vein, often due to a blood clot, according to Armadale Eye Clinic.

Which Health Conditions Increase the Risk of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

The health conditions that can increase the risk of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) are high blood pressure, diabetes and glaucoma, according to the Retinology Institute. Read more about these health conditions that can increase the risk of branch retinal vein occlusion below.

High blood pressure: High blood pressure can lead to the Arteriosclerosis which is the hardening of arteries that result in compressing veins making them more likely to get blocked.
Diabetes: Diabetes can damage small blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar. This can lead to vein blockages.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition that increases fluid pressure inside your eye and damages the optic nerve according to HealthDirect. It can increase the risk of someone getting Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO).

An explainer image showing the inside of an eye affected by Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion with text over it listing the health conditions that increase the risk of BRVO: high blood pressure, glaucoma and diabetes.

Can High Blood Pressure Cause Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

Yes, high blood pressure is a known risk factor for branch retinal vein occlusion and is one of the more common causes of the condition. This is because high blood pressure can cause damage to tiny retinal vessels, leading to branch retinal vein occlusion.

What are the Symptoms of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

The symptoms of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) are sudden, painless vision loss or blurry vision, floaters and decreased visual field, according to Armadale Eye Clinic. Read more about these symptoms of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion below.

Sudden Vision Loss or Blurry Vision: Sudden vision loss or blurry vision is a common sign of BRVO. Its severity will depend on the location of the blockage.
Floaters: Floaters can be a symptom of BRVO. These refer to squiggly lines or black dots that float in your vision.
Decreased Visual Field: Decreased visual field refers to when a person struggles seeing in their peripheral vision, which refers to the sides of their vision.

How does Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Impact Vision Clarity?

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) impacts visual clarity as it can lead to visual blurriness or sudden vision loss.

Does Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Cause Sudden Vision Loss?

Yes, Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) may cause sudden vision loss in some cases if the blockage is severe.

How is Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Detected by Eye Tests?

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is detected by eye tests such as the Ophthalmoscopy and Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy, according to Armadale Eye Clinic. An Ophthalmoscopy is an important part of the eye tests where the Optometrist looks at the eye structure including the retina using a special magnifying lens. Here, signs of BRVO such as retinal hemorrhages, blocked veins and swelling can be seen. A Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy allows the optometrist to view the retina in 3D and highly magnified to provide detailed information about the retinal blood vessels and any potential oedema or haemorrhages.

An optometrist performing an eye test on a patient.

Which Imaging Techniques Help Identify Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

The imaging techniques that help identify Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion include Fluorescein Angiography and Optical Coherence Tomography. The Fluorescein Angiography exam is when a fluorescent dye is injected into an arm vein, and captures images as it moves through the retinal circulation. It shows blockages in the retinal vessels, areas lacking blood flow, and where leakage is happening. The Optical Coherence Tomography provides high-resolution cross-sectional retina images to assess the macular oedema and retina structure.

Can OCT Scans Help Detect Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

Yes, OCT scans can help detect Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) as it provides cross-sectional images of the retina, according to Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic.

How can Glasses Help Protect Your Eyes During Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Treatment?

Glasses will not necessarily protect your eyes during Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) treatment. They do not eliminate or mitigate symptoms; glasses can provide optical vision.

How Can Prescription Glasses Help Reduce Eye Strain in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

Prescription glasses may help reduce eye strain in patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) particularly if the vision in one eye is affected by the condition. The correct prescription glasses can provide visual clarity and lessen eye strain however, it is not a solution for BRVO.

Do Prescription Glasses Improve Visual Comfort for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Patients?

Prescription glasses may improve visual comfort for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion patients if the vision is affected by the eye with the BRVO. However, prescription glasses are not a treatment or solution for the condition.

Can Blue Light Glasses Benefit Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Patients?

No, blue light glasses do not benefit Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) patients. There is no scientific evidence to suggest they mitigate symptoms.

Do Progressive Glasses Help Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Patients See Clearly?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that progressive lenses or transition lenses help branch retinal vein occlusion patients see clearly.

What Treatments are Available for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

The treatments that are available for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion are Laser Treatment, Anti-VEGF Agents and Steroid implants. Laser treatment can treat the development of abnormal blood vessels. Large areas of the retina are treated by laser, which aims to prevent the abnormal vessels from growing and the potential vision loss. Anti-VEGF injections such as Lucentis treat both macula oedema and stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Treatment for a BRVO also includes management of the wider systemic conditions that have caused the BRVO such as hypertensive treatment and diabetes management. It should be noted that Oscar Wylee optometrists do not perform these treatments.

How do Eye Injections Help Improve Vision in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

Eye injections help improve vision in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) in a variety of ways. Anti-VEGF therapy medications prevent the formation of abnormal blood vessels and leakage, while Corticosteroid Therapy can reduce inflammation and macular oedema, according to Armadale Eye Clinic.

Are Laser Therapies Effective for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

Yes, Laser treatment may be used in selected cases to manage complications of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO). Laser therapies, particularly grid photocoagulation, may be effective for treating macular oedema and improving vision for patients. Specifically, grid laser photocoagulation, which involves applying mild laser burns over affected areas of the retina, can help reduce retinal swelling by sealing leaking blood vessels and encouraging fluid absorption. Laser therapies such as grid laser treatment cannot restore lost vision, but they can significantly prevent further vision loss and improve visual acuity, according to Dr D.M. Darabus’s research article titled ‘The Diagnosis and Treatment of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusions: An Update’ in 2025. Laser therapies can reduce the risk of further vision complications in patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion by reducing macular oedema, preventing neovascularisation, minimising haemorrhage risk, and reducing glaucoma risk.

Can Oral Medications Support Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Treatment?

There is currently no scientific research that suggests any form of oral medication can support Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) treatment. However, oral medication may be used to treat systemic conditions that increase the risk of, or cause the BRVO such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

What are the Risks and Complications of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

The risk complications of branch retinal vein occlusion include macula oedema, neovascularisation and vitreous haemorrhage. Read more about these risk complications of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) below.

Macula oedema: Macula oedema occurs when the small vein branch occlusion is near the macula. The leakage and bleeding cause the macula to swell, leading to blurred vision and parts of vision missing.
Neovascularisation: Neovascularisation occurs in severe cases of BRVO. It is when blood flow is sufficiently impaired that the body responds by growing new, abnormal vessels.
Vitreous Hemorrhages: Vitreous haemorrhages happen when blood leaks into the vitreous humour which is the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and retina. This complication is more common in BRVO than CRVO, according to the National Library of Medicine.

How can Untreated Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Affect Long Term Vision?

Untreated BRVO may lead to serious vision complications, which is why prompt eye assessment is recommended. The level of vision loss for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion will be determined by the location of the blocked vein.

Can Untreated Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Lead to Blindness?

Yes, untreated Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) may lead to blindness in some cases. That is why it is important to see an Optometrist immediately if you have any sudden changes to your vision.

Which Eye Diseases May Develop After Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion can lead to secondary eye diseases due to reduced blood flow and chronic retinal damage. Secondary eye diseases include macular oedema, retinal neovascularisation, vitreous haemorrhage, neovascular glaucoma, retinal ischemia, and retinal detachment. The secondary eye diseases that can develop after Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion are explained below.

Macular oedema: Macular oedema is the most common complication after Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion. It involves persistent retinal swelling which causes leaking fluid, blurry vision, and distorted central vision.
Retinal neovascularisation: Retinal neovascularisation involves fragile new blood vessel growth due to oxygen deprivation in the retina.
Vitreous haemorrhage: Vitreous haemorrhage is bleeding into the gel inside the eye, which can lead to increased floaters or sudden vision loss.
Neovascular glaucoma: Neovascular glaucoma is a painful type of glaucoma caused by new vessels on the iris, leading to increased eye pressure from the blocked drainage.
Retinal ischemia: Retinal ischemia can develop from the blockage which causes a decrease in blood flow, leading to problems like macular oedema and potentially neovascularisation.
Tractional retinal detachment: Tractional retinal detachment, which is when scar tissue resulting from neovascularisation pulls the retina away from the eye's wall.

What Secondary Ocular Complications Can Occur After Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)?

The secondary ocular complications that can occur after Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) are Macula Oedema and Neovascularisation, according to Northern Sydney Cataract. Macula Oedema can occur when the occlusion is near the macula. The fluid leaking out of the retina causes the macula to swell, leading to blurred vision and partial vision loss. Neovascularisation is a complication in severe cases of BRVO where blood flow is greatly impaired. The body responds by growing new, abnormal vessels which can become weak and burst and bleed as a result.

Can Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Trigger Neovascular Glaucoma?

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) can trigger neovascular glaucoma however this is an exceptionally rare complication, according to a study done by International Journal Dental and Medical Sciences Research.

What are the Differences Between Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)?

The difference between Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) is that BRVO occurs when one of the smaller branches of the retinal vein is blocked whereas CRVO occurs when the main vein of the retina is blocked. Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion is considered to be not as severe as Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in many cases, according to Sydney Retina.

Is Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) Less Severe Than CRVO?

Yes, Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) is considered to be less severe than CRVO. BRVO is characterised by blood blockages within smaller veins causing potentially less vision consequences, according to Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic.

It should be noted that the information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified optometrist for a professional diagnosis.