WHAT WE TREAT
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion
BRAO is a blockage in one of the smaller arteries of the retina, leading to sudden vision loss in part of the visual field.
About Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion
Overview
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye—similar to wallpaper inside a room. When lightenters the eye, it passes through the cornea and lens before reaching the retina. The retina then converts light into electrical signals, which are transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are processed into visual images. Because the retina is essential for sight, any condition that interferes with its function can cause serious and sometimes permanent vision loss.
A Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO) occurs when one of the smaller arteries supplying the retina becomes blocked, preventing normal blood flow. This interruption deprives the affected portion of the retina of oxygen, leading to sudden and often permanent vision loss in the corresponding part of the visual field. The severity of vision loss depends on which artery is blocked and how large an area of the retina is affected. Because the retina can sustain irreversible damage within minutes, there is currently no proven treatment that reliably restores vision once a BRAO has occurred.
Causes
The most common cause of a BRAO is an embolus—a small particle, such as a cholesterol plaque or blood clot—that travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a retinal artery. Because these emboli can originate from other parts of the body, such as the carotid arteries or the heart, a BRAO may signal a risk for more serious vascular events, including stroke.
After diagnosis, your retina specialist will recommend a comprehensive medical evaluation by your primary care provider to look for potential embolic sources or systemic conditions contributing to the event. The goal of this evaluation is prevention of future vascular events, not restoration of lost vision. Other, less common causes include inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) or abnormal blood clotting.
Treatment Options From LRR
Treatments
While the initial vision loss from BRAO usually cannot be reversed, proactive medical management and ongoing retinal monitoring can reduce the risk of further complications and help preserve the health of your other eye.
Regular follow-up examinations with your retina specialist help detect these issues early, when treatment is most effective.
More To Know
Risk Factors
Common risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes mellitus
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- Smoking
- Heart disease or atherosclerosis
Complications and Long-Term Care
Although vision loss from a BRAO is typically permanent, ongoing care remains important. Eyes affected by BRAO are at risk for secondary complications, including:
- Retinal neovascularization (abnormal new blood vessel growth)
- Macular edema (retinal swelling)
- Ocular ischemia or poor retinal blood flow
How Blood Reaches the Retina
The retina depends on a delicate network of blood vessels to deliver oxygen and nutrients. Blood reaches the retina through the central retinal artery, which travels within the optic nerve before branching into progressively smaller arteries and capillaries—much like a tree trunk dividing into branches. These arteries are paired with a network of tiny veins that collect and return blood through the central retinal vein. Many retinal diseases arise from problems in this vascular system.
Prepare For Your Visit
If you already have an appointment made, we look forward to providing your care! If you need an appointment or have questions, please reach out to the Lakes Region Retina care team.
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