This 57YO female was referred for an asymptomatic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in her right eye. Vision was 20/30.
Optos color imaging shows a normal right macula, with large active retinal neovascularization extending along and distal to the inferotemporal arcade.
Six weeks after the inferior scatter laser, the neovascularization regressed dramatically and virtually completely.
Learning Points:
The results of the Branch Vein Occlusion Study Group (Arch Ophthalmology 1986;104:34-41) still remain the gold standard for treating BRVO-related retinal neovascularization.
Once neovascularization develops, scatter laser into the involved quadrant significantly reduces the risk for vitreous hemorrhage.
Although anti-VEGF therapy can initially be given to rapidly stabilize the neovascularization, laser is usually all that’s needed, as illustrated by our patient.
