Retinal Vein Occlusion
The retina is the light sensing tissue at the back of the eye. The veins drain blood out of the retina and return it to the heart.
A retinal vein occlusion means that a vein in the retina of the eye has become blocked. Blockage, or occlusion, in the vein prevents adequate blood flow in the affected area. The walls of the vein leak blood and excess fluid into the retina. Central and branch retinal veins are sometimes associated with high blood pressure and diabetes.
There are two types of retinal vein occlusion:
What are the symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion?
The main symptom of retinal vein occlusion is blurred vision. It occurs when the excess fluid leaking from the vein collects in the macula. The macula is the central area of the retina that is responsible for central, detailed vision. If the macula swells with excess fluid, vision blurs.
Another symptom is floaters. Floaters can appear as spots, which interfere with vision.
When retinal blood vessels are not working properly, the retina may grow abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization) that are fragile. They can bleed or leak fluid into the vitreous (the gel-like fluid that fills the center of the eye), causing the floaters.
In more advance cases of neovascularization, the abnormal blood vessels may actually cause the retina to detach from the back of the eye. Vein occlusions generally happen without a reason, but they are sometimes associated with high blood pressure, clotting problems, or glaucoma. If complications from retinal vein occlusion are not treated, irreversible blindness may occur.
How is Retinal Vein Occlusion detected?
Our ophthalmologist detects retinal vein occlusions by examining the retina with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. A fluorescein angiography may also be performed, a procedure that takes special photographs of the eye, in order further investigate the blood vessels in your eye.
How is Retinal Vein Occlusion treated?
There is no known cure for retinal vein occlusion, though in some cases intraocular injections, laser, surgery, or an operation may be used to reduce the macular edema and stabilize or improve vision.
Who is at risk for a Retinal Vein Occlusion?
Certain illnesses increase your risk, including: diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, and age-related vascular disease and blood disorders.