Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) is a type of retinal occlusion eye stroke that blocks one of the smaller retinal veins.
When a vein becomes obstructed, blood and fluid build up in the retina, causing swelling, bleeding, and vision loss in part of one eye.

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb often describes it this way:

“BRVO is like a clogged street drain. The main sewer is still flowing, but one branch gets blocked, and suddenly the area around it floods. That’s what happens in the retina.”

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What is BRVO?

• In BRVO, a clot or plaque blocks a branch of the retinal vein.
• This leads to swelling, hemorrhages, and sometimes macular edema (swelling of the central vision area).
• Unlike CRVO, which affects the entire retina, BRVO usually causes partial vision changes.

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Symptoms of BRVO

• Blurred or dim vision in part of one eye
• Dark or blind spots in the visual field
• Sudden floaters or streaks of blood
• Distorted or wavy vision (metamorphopsia)

Symptoms depend on which vein branch is affected, but usually vision loss is localized.

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Causes & Risk Factors

BRVO is strongly linked to vascular health, just like BRAO and CRVO. Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma (high eye pressure)
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Blood clotting disorders

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Conventional Medicine’s Approach

Typical ophthalmology treatments for BRVO may include:

• Anti-VEGF injections to reduce macular swelling
• Steroid injections in some cases
• Laser therapy to close leaking vessels
• Blood thinners if systemic clotting is suspected

These may stabilize the eye, but patients are often told to “wait and see” how much vision returns.

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Holistic & Functional Treatments

At the Eye Health Institute, Dr. Rosenfarb offers functional approaches to maximize recovery from BRVO.

Ophthalmic Acupuncture

Improves circulation and reduces swelling in the affected retinal area.

Alternating Current Microstimulation (ACS-3000)

Stimulates retinal cells, helping to restore function and support neuroplasticity.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Delivers oxygen directly into the retina, bypassing blocked vessels.

“When oxygen can’t reach cells through blood vessels, hyperbaric therapy brings it there directly.”

Low-Level Laser & Microcurrent

Support mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress.

Nutrition & Supplements

Enzymes, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and targeted herbs help reduce clotting risk and support vascular health.

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Why Early Treatment Matters

Dr. Rosenfarb emphasizes:

“The earlier we intervene with BRVO, the more likely we are to reverse swelling and protect vision. Waiting too long risks scarring and permanent vision loss.”

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Patient Story

One BRVO patient, a 72-year-old man with diabetes and high blood pressure, came to the Eye Health Institute after losing central vision in one eye. His retina specialist had performed injections, but his progress plateaued. After combining acupuncture, ACS therapy, and supplements, his swelling decreased, and he regained enough clarity to resume reading and driving short distances.

This shows that functional care can provide hope even when conventional options have reached their limits.

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Next Steps for BRVO Patients

• Seek urgent evaluation to rule out systemic vascular disease.
• Explore early intervention strategies.
• Learn how holistic treatment modalities can support your recovery.
• Schedule a Telehealth consultation or an in-office intensive program.

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