Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with branch vein occlusion

Proposed mechanisms for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) include hole development from preexisting retinal cysts and vitreoretinal traction secondary to retinal neovascularization. Damage caused by choriocapillary obstruction may also occur in some of the retinal breaks. Vitreoretinal traction without associated retinal neovascularization has not been previously emphasized as a pathogenetic mechanism. We document both iatrogenic and idiopathic vitreoretinal traction as causes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in ischemic retina after BRVO. A literature review of the role of retinal traction with and without associated neovascularization in the development of retinal tears after BRVO is included.