[Aspects of outcome and therapy of edematous branch retinal vein occlusion]

The main cause of oedematous branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) vision loss is macular oedema persistence. We studied 18 patients having oedematous branch retinal vein occlusion. An ophthalmologic exam completed with angiography and etiologic assessment were performed. Argon Laser macular grid photocoagulation was performed in 11 eyes where macular oedema had persisted for over 3 months with visual acuity under 5/10. In 45% of cases, occlusion interests superotemporal vein. Atherosclerosis risk factors are found in 88% of cases. The course was spontaneously favourable in 39% of cases. Improvement of visual acuity was obtained in 36% of cases treated with laser photocoagulation. Oedematous branch retinal vein occlusion outcome is variable; it can be favourable if veino-veinous anastomosis develops rapidly, or unfavourable with macular edema persistence and decreased visual acuity. In the later case, grid macular phototcoagulation should be performed leading to macular edema regression. So, macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion can disappear spontaneously and needs laser treatment only if it persists.