The eye works like a camera. It has two parts, a lens and a film. The film layer lines the back wall of the eyes and is called the retina. It has arteries that provide it blood flow and veins which drain the blood. The arteries and the veins share a common tubing. Over time, the arteries can become hardened and push hard on the veins. If too much force is applied, it can cause a blockage of a branch of the retinal veins.
The part of the retina that is responsible for the central vision is called the macula. A blockage of a retinal vein may cause an accumulation of fluid within the macula called macular edema. The reason why this occurs is due to lack of blood flow to the retina. The retina recognizes the lack of blood flow to the retina and creates a hormone that encourages swelling within the retina
Fortunately, this condition is very treatable.
Intravitreal Injections
An intravitreal injection is a medication which is injected into the eye that blocks the undesirable hormone produced by the retina. Blocking the hormone causes the swelling to go away.
Injections are injected every month for a period of 3-6 months. There is typically a very rapid improvement in vision within the first 3 months of treatment and then a slow improvement and stabilization of vision by 6 months.
After a period of 3-6 months, the frequency of injections is either slowly decreased or injections are stopped completely. If injections are stopped completely, your eye care specialist will typically monitor your eye for signs of the edema returning.
There are some patients who need only a few injections during their entire treatment and others who go on to need treatment every 4 weeks for years. Your eye care specialist is not able to know how many injections you will need. Your eye care specialist will customize your treatment to the needs of your eye.
The alternatives to an intravitreal injection are no treatment or an in-office laser procedure.
The main risk of the procedure is the development of an infection called endophthalmitis. Fortunately, the risk of this infection is very low, occurring in approximately 1 in 3000 injections. Patients can decrease their risk of developing an infection by avoiding rubbing, touching their eyes, or allowing water into their eyes for at least one week.
Most patients undergoing this treatment note a significant improvement in their vision and are surprised that the injection may be administered with minimal discomfort.
Types of Intravitreal Injections
- Avastin is the most commonly used medication for the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema worldwide.
- Lucentis is FDA approved for the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema.
- Eylea is FDA approved for the treatment of branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema.
What should patients watch out for?
The new onset of worsening blurry vision may be a sign of increased swelling in the macula. We ask patients to contact their eye care specialist if they note worsening vision as this may be a sign that treatment is needed sooner than the next scheduled visits.
The onset of many floaters may be a sign of a small amount of bleeding in the eye which may also require an evaluation and treatment prior to the next scheduled visit.
Why is it important to follow-up with Retina Specialists of Tampa?
- Untreated swelling in the macula can cause permanent vision loss if present for weeks to months without treatment.
- Abnormal new blood vessels can form which may bleed and temporarily decrease vision. Your eye care specialist may be able to detect these in the early stage and initiate treatment to decrease the risk of vision loss.
- Treatment at the correct duration helps to maximize vision.
Most patients with this condition experience a significant improvement in their vision with treatment and continue to see well during their lifetime.
Schedule a Consultation in Tampa
If you’re dealing with newly onset blurry vision, it may be BRVO with macular edema. Don’t wait to see a specialist and get a proper diagnosis. For patients in the Tampa area, the ophthalmologists and vitreoretinal surgeons with Retina Specialists of Tampa are here to help. Our providers have extensive experience diagnosing and treating BRVO. Give us a call at (813) 973-3333 or request an appointment through our secure online form. We have offices in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Lakeland.
