Retinal detachment secondary to branch vein occlusion: Part I

Eight patients with retinal detachment secondary to branch vein occlusion were studied. Retinal detachment secondary to branch vein occlusion occurs when the vein occlusion is severe and there is marked capillary nonperfusion and leakage. The detachment is limited to the area of the occluded vein and does not extend beyond the equator. Usually the detachment is shallow; however, it can be bullous as demonstrated in 3 of our patients. Fluorescein angiography revealed the typical findings associated with branch vein occlusion, in addition to late pooling of the dye into the fluid in the subretinal space. In each of the 6 cases treated by laser photocoagulation, reattachment of the retina occurred. The disease is discussed from the standpoint of ocular findings, fluorescein angiography, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, course, treatment, and prognosis.