What is Branch Retinal Arteriosclerosis?
A condition in which the blood flow is blocked to a particular branch of the retinal artery. This can lead to vision loss in the eye affected. A clot or embolus can travel to a branch in the retinal artery. This clot blocks the blood supply to a portion of the retina. BRAO requires immediate medical care to avoid permanent vision loss.
What causes Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion?
Many factors can lead to branch retinal artery occlusions. Most common causes include:
Atherosclerosis can cause blood clots to form in the retinal vessels due to a buildup in blood vessels.
Cardiac emboli are blood clots that form in the heart and travel to the retinal arterial artery, where they become stuck and stop blood flow.
Hypercoagulable conditions are medical conditions which increase the risk of blood-clots. These include factor V Leiden Deficiency, antiphospholipid Syndrome, etc.
Giant cell Arteritis can be a blockage in the retinal vessels due to an inflammation of the blood vessels.
Trauma: An injury to the eye or head can cause clots in the retinal vessels.
Vasculitis can cause narrowing of the retinal vessels or even obstruction.
Remember that BRAO may be caused by a variety of different factors. The patient will be examined by an ophthalmologist and other specialists to determine the root cause and the best treatment.
How to Diagnose Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion?
Branch Retinal Arteriosclerosis is diagnosed using a combination of eye exams and imaging tests. BRAO is detected by the following diagnostic tests.
The Ophthalmoscopy involves the examination of an eye using a "special instrument" called an "ophthalmoscope". The doctor can then see the blood vessels in the retina.
A fluorescein angiogram is a test in which a dye special is injected into a vein. To identify blood vessel blockages, photographs of the retina will be taken.
The technique is non-invasive and uses light waves to create detailed cross-sectional pictures.
Ultrasonography: It is a diagnostic test that creates an image of the eye and blood vessels using sound waves.
Doppler ultrasonic: This test uses sound waves to determine the speed and direction of blood flow in the retinal vessels.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) or Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is an imaging test that shows blood vessels more clearly in the eyes and brain.
Additional tests may be required to determine the underlying cause. These tests may include blood tests that rule out blood-clotting disorders, and heart and blood vessel tests.
Remember that BRAO is a serious condition which requires immediate medical care to avoid permanent vision loss. It is essential to consult an eye specialist who has experience in retinal vascular diseases as soon as possible for the best outcome.
Symptoms and Treatment of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion
The symptoms of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO) can vary depending on the location and severity of occlusion. Most common symptoms include:
The most common symptom of BRAO is a sudden, non-remarkable vision loss. This can range from mild to severe.
Visual field defects are a condition which causes a loss of vision in a small part of the visual area. This condition is known as scotoma.
A small branch of the retinal artery can become blocked, causing blurred vision.
The color of the vision can change.
Inflammation of blood vessels can cause redness in the eyes.
Headaches: Some people can suffer from headaches due to occlusion.
Systemic symptoms: Other conditions such as giant-cell arthritis can cause systemic symptoms, like fever, malaise, and jaw claudication.
