Retinal vein occlusion
What a retinal vein occlusion is, risk factors, and how it is managed.
What is a retinal vein occlusion?
A retinal vein occlusion occurs when the blood flow along a retinal vein is blocked, causing pressure to build in the smaller blood vessels behind it. They bleed into the retina, which can cause sudden or gradual loss of vision.
In older patients, vein occlusions are usually the result of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking — the same conditions that increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. In younger patients, causes of thickened blood may also be investigated.
Vein occlusions can be central (affecting the whole retina, CRVO) or branch (affecting one or two segments, BRVO).
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the occlusion. Options include intravitreal injections to reduce swelling at the macula, and laser treatment to manage abnormal blood vessel growth. Addressing the underlying risk factors — blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and smoking — is essential.