Just diagnosed with BRVO

[Linlin7451]

I've just been diagnosed with a mild case of branch retinal vein occulsion in the left eye.  Bloodwork is current in progress.
Is there any chance of this condition disappearing by itself?  If not, will laser surgery solve the condition?  Any info will be appreciated.  Symptoms were a flickering in the eye upon waking.  Flickering would last no more than one minute.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

good luck

[EyetroubleBRVO]

Update - I had my second injection 10 days ago and the results are good.

the edema reduced significantly but still some more to go, will see after the third injection.

as for the sight,vision quality didnt change much but slightly better, doctor said i need to give it sometime and we will see how it goes on the course of 6 months.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

=

[EyetroubleBRVO]

Thank you John for your wishes.

One week Update.

I went last Saturday for y one week follow up, the edema went down from 450 to 293, vision improved and i now can see the fovea cleared.

I got 20/20 on the chart.

So far it looks good and my eye is responding to the Lucentis.

Next injection in 3 weeks.

will keep you posted.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

best of luck
JCH MD

[EyetroubleBRVO]

Second day update.

I went to see the doctor to check the blurring in my vision. On the chart I didn't do well at all.

But the doctor looked inside and assured me that everything looks fine and I need to give it sometime for the gel to settle down.

I am not sure how to think of this but I guess i have no choice but to wait and see.

And yes I still have some bubbles at the top of my sight.

Next appointment this coming Saturday I will keep you posted until then if any changes.

Wish me luck

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[EyetroubleBRVO]

Update - I had my first injection yesterday. the procedure was not as bad as it sounds.

After procedure - a bit itchy and dry but resolved in few hours.
today i feel my vision is a bit more blurry than what it used to be, i called the doctor who assured me that this is normal and should resolve shortly. I have a follow up appointment next Saturday and I hope by then I can see some good results.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

multiple injections will likely be needed. For large amounts of swelling (edema) that fail to resolve such injections are treatment of choice.  control all your risk factors to avoid more BRVO   i.e. keep blood pressure, A1C, cholesterol/triglycerides in good range, stay slim, don't smoke, eat good diet, exercise.

JCH MD

[EyetroubleBRVO]

I am 34 Years old Male, i have diabetes but well controlled, BP 115/70, eye pressure is 16 & 15 all blood works came in negative, I was diagnosed with BRVO on my left eye, doctor recommended 3X Lucentis injections over 3 months, i am scheduled for my first injection this coming Saturday. my vision in both eyes is 20/20 but i cant see very well in my left eye due to the "gray spots" i wanted to check if anyone had the same experience and what was the outcome of the injections.

doctor was very optimistic and said that my chances based on his experience is to regain 80% - 95% of my vision in the left eye.

please share with me your experience.

[Linlin7451]

I received some results from my blood work which I will discuss next week with my retular doctor.  All levels are within range except for the TSH (0.39) and the MPV (7.3).  Would these levels contribute to the BRVO condition?  Additionally, I am on thyroid medication -- which will most likely be adjusted to the "over-active" result. My eye doctor also sent me for bloodwork, which will be reviewed next Monday.

[Linlin7451]

I received some results from my blood work which I will discuss next week with my retular doctor. All levels are within range except for the TSH (0.39) and the MPV (7.3). Would these levels contribute to the BRVO condition? Additionally, I am on thyroid medication -- which will most likely be adjusted to the "over-active" result. My eye doctor also sent me for bloodwork, which will be reviewed next Monday.

[John C Hagan]

Branch retinal vein occlusion BRVO should not be caused by thyroid problems. As I mentioned the main risks are smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesteral, diabetes, blood that is abnornally thick and several other rare causes. BRVO is usually less serious than central retinal vein occlusion CRVO. If the BRVO is remove from the macula the prognosis is excellent and often no treatment is necessary other than treat any underlying medical conditions that might cause the condition. Sometimes low dose aspririn is prescribed. For completeness sake I should mention that undiagnosed or poorly controled glaucoma can cause BRVO. Your ophthalmologist would have excluded this by your examination.  In some instances of the macula is involved and vision affected and the problem not resolving laser therapy is used to try and 'dry up" the retinal.

JCH MD

[John C Hagan]

You need to be under the care of an ophthalmologist. Depending on size and location most branch retinal vein occlusions do not require treatment. It is imporant to rule out cardiovascular disease causing this so you need good physical exam by internist or family doctor with blood work, ekg.

If you smoke or are overweight these need to be treated. High cholesteral and high blood pressure are especially important to treat if present.


JCH MD