Banch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO)

Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist
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Rx Eye & Vision Care (A - Z)

Banch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO) is a medical condition that affects the eye. It happens when one of the small blood vessels, called arteries, that supply blood to the retina gets blocked. The retina is the part of your eye that helps you see. When the artery is blocked, it can cause vision problems. In this article, we will break down what BRAO is, its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, drugs, and surgery in plain and easy-to-understand language.

Types of BRAO

  1. Superior BRAO: This type affects the upper part of the retina.
  2. Inferior BRAO: This type affects the lower part of the retina.
  3. Macular BRAO: This type affects the central area of the retina called the macula.

Causes of BRAO

There are several reasons why BRAO can happen. Here are 20 common causes:

  1. Atherosclerosis: A buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
  2. Blood Clots: Tiny clots that block the artery.
  3. High Blood Pressure: Increased pressure can damage the arteries.
  4. Diabetes: High blood sugar can harm blood vessels.
  5. Cardiovascular Disease: Heart problems can lead to BRAO.
  6. Smoking: Tobacco use can damage blood vessels.
  7. High Cholesterol: Too much cholesterol can clog arteries.
  8. Age: It becomes more common as you get older.
  9. Glaucoma: A condition that increases eye pressure.
  10. Temporal Arteritis: Inflammation of the arteries.
  11. Blood Disorders: Conditions that affect blood thickness.
  12. Migraines: Severe headaches may trigger BRAO.
  13. Eye Infections: Infections can block arteries.
  14. Injury: Physical trauma to the eye.
  15. Medications: Certain drugs may affect blood flow.
  16. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus.
  17. Blood Abnormalities: Issues with blood components.
  18. Hyperviscosity Syndrome: Thickening of blood.
  19. Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels.
  20. Genetics: Some people are more prone to BRAO due to their genes.

Symptoms of BRAO

When BRAO occurs, it can cause various symptoms. Here are 20 common ones:

  1. Sudden Vision Loss: A sudden decrease in vision.
  2. Blurry Vision: Things may appear unclear.
  3. Partial Blindness: Loss of vision in part of the eye.
  4. Distorted Vision: Objects may look distorted.
  5. Floaters: Tiny specks or lines in your vision.
  6. Eye Pain: Discomfort or aching in the eye.
  7. Headache: Sometimes accompanied by BRAO.
  8. Light Sensitivity: Eyes may become sensitive to light.
  9. Color Vision Changes: Difficulty distinguishing colors.
  10. Eye Redness: Bloodshot or irritated eyes.
  11. Halos Around Lights: Glowing circles around lights.
  12. Double Vision: Seeing two images of one object.
  13. Difficulty Reading: Trouble with reading small text.
  14. Loss of Peripheral Vision: Side vision may be affected.
  15. Nausea and Vomiting: In severe cases.
  16. Eye Swelling: Swollen or puffy eyes.
  17. Tearing: Excessive tearing of the eye.
  18. Eyelid Drooping: One eyelid may appear lower.
  19. Eye Twitching: Involuntary eye movements.
  20. Eye Discomfort: General eye discomfort or irritation.

Diagnostic Tests for BRAO

Doctors use various tests to diagnose BRAO. Here are 20 common ones:

  1. Ophthalmoscopy: Looking at the retina with a special instrument.
  2. Fluorescein Angiography: Injecting dye to highlight blood flow.
  3. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Detailed imaging of the retina.
  4. Visual Acuity Test: Checking how well you can see.
  5. Amsler Grid Test: Detecting vision changes.
  6. Blood Pressure Measurement: To check for hypertension.
  7. Blood Tests: To assess cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
  8. Echocardiogram: Evaluating heart function.
  9. Carotid Ultrasound: Scanning neck arteries.
  10. MRI or CT Scan: Detailed imaging of the head and neck.
  11. Doppler Ultrasound: Assessing blood flow.
  12. Tonometry: Measuring eye pressure.
  13. Visual Field Test: Mapping your field of vision.
  14. Color Vision Test: Checking color perception.
  15. Pupil Reflex Test: Assessing pupil responses.
  16. Intraocular Pressure Measurement: Measuring eye pressure.
  17. Dilated Eye Exam: Widening pupils for a better view.
  18. Corneal Reflex Test: Testing eye surface sensitivity.
  19. Electroretinogram (ERG): Assessing retinal function.
  20. Automated Perimetry: Mapping visual field changes.

Treatments for BRAO

Once diagnosed, there are various treatments available for BRAO. Here are 30 common ones:

  1. Observation: Some cases may resolve on their own.
  2. Blood Pressure Control: Managing hypertension.
  3. Medication Adjustment: Changing drugs causing BRAO.
  4. Antiplatelet Medications: Reducing blood clot risk.
  5. Anticoagulants: Preventing further clots.
  6. Cholesterol Medications: Lowering cholesterol levels.
  7. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Reducing inflammation.
  8. Steroids: Reducing inflammation in some cases.
  9. Antiviral Medications: For viral causes.
  10. Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
  11. Laser Therapy: Using lasers to treat affected areas.
  12. Intravitreal Injections: Medication injections into the eye.
  13. Retinal Surgery: Rarely, for severe cases.
  14. Retinal Artery Bypass: Redirecting blood flow.
  15. Thrombolytic Therapy: Dissolving blood clots.
  16. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Increasing oxygen supply.
  17. Low Vision Rehabilitation: Coping with vision loss.
  18. Counseling: Emotional support and guidance.
  19. Blood Disorder Treatment: Managing underlying conditions.
  20. Glaucoma Treatment: If glaucoma is present.
  21. Dietary Changes: Adopting a heart-healthy diet.
  22. Exercise: Promoting overall health.
  23. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight.
  24. Stress Reduction: Managing stress levels.
  25. Smoking Cessation: Quitting tobacco.
  26. Eye Protection: Wearing protective eyewear.
  27. UV Protection: Using sunglasses.
  28. Regular Eye Exams: Monitoring eye health.
  29. Medication Review: Checking for side effects.
  30. Support Groups: Connecting with others facing BRAO.

Drugs for BRAO

There are specific drugs that doctors may prescribe for BRAO. Here are 20 common ones:

  1. Aspirin: To prevent blood clots.
  2. Clopidogrel: Antiplatelet medication.
  3. Warfarin: An anticoagulant.
  4. Atorvastatin: Reduces cholesterol.
  5. Prednisone: An anti-inflammatory.
  6. Dexamethasone: For severe inflammation.
  7. Acyclovir: For viral infections.
  8. Ciprofloxacin: For bacterial infections.
  9. Ranibizumab: Intravitreal injection.
  10. Bevacizumab: Intravitreal injection.
  11. Brinzolamide: For glaucoma.
  12. Dorzolamide: For glaucoma.
  13. Latanoprost: For glaucoma.
  14. Timolol: For glaucoma.
  15. Brimonidine: For glaucoma.
  16. Dipyridamole: Reduces blood clotting.
  17. Cilostazol: Antiplatelet medication.
  18. Clopidogrel/Aspirin Combo: Dual antiplatelet therapy.
  19. Simvastatin: Cholesterol-lowering.
  20. Atenolol: For blood pressure control.

Surgery for BRAO

In some rare cases, surgery may be necessary. Here are 10 surgical options:

  1. Retinal Artery Bypass Surgery: Redirecting blood flow around the blockage.
  2. Thrombectomy: Removing a clot from the artery.
  3. Embolectomy: Removing an embolus or clot.
  4. Vitreoretinal Surgery: Repairing retina-related issues.
  5. Laser Retinopexy: Sealing leaky blood vessels.
  6. Intravitreal Implants: Slow-release medication implants.
  7. Chorioretinal Venous Anastomosis: Creating a new blood vessel.
  8. Retinal Artery Revascularization: Restoring blood flow.
  9. Corneal Transplant: For severe corneal damage.
  10. Glaucoma Surgery: Treating glaucoma if present.

Conclusion

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO) can affect your vision, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many people can regain some or all of their lost vision. Remember, if you experience any sudden vision changes or symptoms associated with BRAO, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. Regular eye check-ups and managing underlying health conditions can also help prevent BRAO. Your eye health is crucial, so take good care of your eyes!

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

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References

 

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