What Is A Vein Occlusion?

A Vein Occlusion is a blockage of the central or branch veins in the retina. The blockage can cause vision loss and is associated with bleeding, swelling, and new blood vessel growth in the retina.

Types Of Retinal Vein Occlusions

• Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): A blockage of a vein in the inner portion of the eye, where retinal veins “branch out” to smaller veins.
• Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): A blockage that occurs in the central or main retinal vein located at the back of the eye.

Risk Factors For A Retinal Vein Occlusion

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Glaucoma
• Vitreous hemorrhage
• Macular edema
• Inflammatory conditions

Symptoms Of A Retinal Vein Occlusion

The blocked circulation caused by a retinal vein occlusion can lead to:

• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Growth of abnormal blood vessels
• Partial or total vision loss

Diagnosis Of A Retinal Vein Occlusion

A retinal vein occlusion is detected during a retinal exam of the eye. After a thorough medical examination of the eye, the following diagnostic tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis of a retinal vein occlusion:

• Fluorescein angiogram
• Testing of intraocular pressure
• Pupil reflex response
• Slit-lamp examination
• Visual field testing
• Visual acuity
• Retinal photography
• Blood tests

The initial bleeding can prevent the ophthalmologist from seeing any other symptoms for three to six months or longer. The patient is monitored during this time until the blood clears.

Treatment Of A Retinal Vein Occlusion

Treatment of a retinal vein occlusion depends on the severity and location of the blockage. Most patient’s vision will be restored but their vision is rarely the same as it was before the occlusion.

Complications of a retinal vein occlusion occur and require treatment that may include:

• Focal laser treatment for macular edema
• Intraocular injections of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
• Laser treatment to prevent the growth of blood vessels that can cause glaucoma

Retinal Vein Occlusion Prevention

There is no cure for a retinal vein occlusion. Emphasis is placed on the prevention of the condition by treating the symptoms and preventing further vision loss. A retinal vein occlusion is an indication of vascular disease. It is critical to reduce the risks of vascular disease by adhering to the following guidelines:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Stop smoking
• Eat a diet low in fat
• Maintaining weight
• Exercising regularly