The effect of posterior vitreous detachment on the prognosis of branch retinal vein occlusion

ABSTRACT Purpose: Two important complications causing visual loss in retinal branch vein occlusions are vitreous hemorrhage due to retinal neovascularization and persistent macular edema. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the total posterior vitreous detachment on the disease prognosis. Methods: Fifty‐three patients with temporal branch vein obstruction were followed for eighteen months on average. The vitreous conditions of all patients were established, and the effect on persistent macular edema and retinal neovascularization development was statistically investigated. Results: This prospective study shows that total posterior vitreous detachment has a clear preventive effect on both complications. Conclusion: Careful vitreous examinations of all patients with branch retinal vein occlusion give us important information about the prognosis and patient management.