Retinal breaks and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in association with branch retinal vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence and clinical characteristics of retinal breaks and/or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of 230 eyes of 214 patients with BRVO and identified eyes with retinal breaks and/or RRD. Patients had at least 6 months of follow-up.

RESULTS: Seven of 230 eyes (3%) had retinal breaks and 3 eyes (1.3%) had RRD. One of the eyes with RRD had subclinical retinal detachment. All 7 eyes had ischemic disease documented by fluorescein angiography. Two of 7 eyes had concurrent retinal neovascularization. Four eyes with breaks, but without RRD, and the eye with subclinical RRD were managed by argon green laser. Two eyes with RRD were managed successfully with scleral buckling surgery and postoperative supplemental argon green laser. The mean follow-up period was 14.8 +/- 8.3 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BRVO should be monitored closely for possible retinal break formation and RRD development.