Macular Branch Vein Occlusion

Occlusion of a small macular tributary branch vein, not involving a major arcade, can be extremely subtle and the correct diagnosis is frequently missed. Capable of adversely affecting central visual acuity, macular vein occlusion has a variable clinical presentation and course which may elude more conventional examination techniques and require fluorescein angiography to confirm or establish its presence. Recognizing the need for increased awareness of this disorder, emphasis is placed on orientation through case presentations depicting the clinical and angiographic features of this subgroup of branch retinal vein occlusions. A retrospective evaluation of the cl inical data and angiographic features of 75 individuals with macular branch vein occlusion permitted evaluation of 64 patients with follow-up ranging from two months to ten years. Various forms of medical therapy were used in the management of many of these individuals, but argon laser photocoagulation was only used in 22 patients. The limitations inherent in interpreting data from uncontrolled studies are acknowledged. Our observations support the need for recognition and intensive evaluation of this special group of vein occlusions.