Branch retinal vein occlusion is characterized by dilation and tortuosity of the affected vein associated with retinal hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, and edema in the area drained by the vein.

It is usually caused by a thrombus at arteriovenous crossings where a thickened artery compresses the underlying venous wall.

The complications of branch vein occlusion that are most common and potentially vision-limiting include macular edema and retinal neovascularization.

Differential Diagnosis

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Hypertensive retinopathy
• Leukemic retinopathy
• Ocular ischemic syndrome
• Papilledema
• Retinopathy of anemia
• Venous stasis retinopathy