Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO)
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO) is a type of eye stroke that blocks one of the smaller arteries of the retina.
Instead of affecting the entire retina like CRAO, BRAO usually causes partial vision loss, often appearing as blind spots or patches of dim vision.
Dr. Andy Rosenfarb describes it this way:
“BRAO is like a neighborhood power outage. The main line is fine, but one section goes dark. Our goal is to restore circulation and reawaken those cells before they shut down permanently.”
What is BRAO?
- In BRAO, a clot or plaque blocks one of the smaller retinal arteries.
- The area of the retina supplied by that artery becomes starved of oxygen.
- Vision loss depends on which branch is affected — often resulting in blind spots or partial field loss rather than total blindness.
Symptoms of BRAO
- Sudden loss of vision in part of one eye
- Painless dimming or blurring in the affected area
- Localized blind spots
- Distortion or patchy vision
Many patients describe it as though a portion of their visual field “just disappeared.”
Causes & Risk Factors
BRAO is closely tied to systemic vascular health.
Risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Carotid artery disease (plaque in the neck arteries)
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
BRAO can sometimes be an early warning sign of carotid artery disease or cardiovascular risk.
Conventional Medicine’s Approach
In hospitals and retina clinics, treatments may include:
- Emergency evaluation to rule out carotid artery disease or stroke risk
- Blood thinners if systemic clotting is present
- Ocular massage or pressure-lowering treatments in acute settings
- Monitoring with visual field testing and OCT scans
Patients are often told that recovery is limited and mostly a matter of “wait and see.”
Holistic & Functional Treatments
At the Eye Health Institute, Dr. Rosenfarb uses an integrative approach to improve outcomes after BRAO.
Ophthalmic Acupuncture
Improves microcirculation and stimulates repair in the affected retinal area.
Alternating Current Microstimulation (ACS-3000)
Gentle retinal stimulation helps “wake up” dormant cells and support neuroplasticity.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Drives oxygen directly into the retina, even in areas where blood supply is blocked.
“Hyperbaric is one of the best tools for eye strokes — it bypasses blocked vessels and delivers oxygen where it’s needed.”
Laser Therapy & Microcurrent
Reduce oxidative stress and help repair retinal tissue.
Nutrition & Supplements
Targeted use of enzymes, omega-3s, antioxidants, and herbs to reduce inflammation and improve vascular health.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Timing is critical.
Dr. Rosenfarb emphasizes:
“The earlier we start treatment, the more likely we are to reawaken those oxygen-starved cells. Waiting too long means they may be gone for good.”
Patient Story
One patient in his 50s came in after losing vision in the lower right quadrant of his left eye. His retina specialist told him nothing more could be done beyond monitoring. After two weeks of intensive acupuncture, microstimulation, and supplements, he regained much of the lost visual field, enough to drive safely again.
These kinds of results show that recovery is possible — especially when treatment is started early.
Next Steps for BRAO Patients
- Treat BRAO as an emergency — rule out carotid artery disease.
- Explore early intervention to preserve vision.
- Learn about prevention strategies to reduce future risk.
- Schedule a Telehealth consultation or consider in-office intensives at the Eye Health Institute.