What Is Retinal Vein Occlusion?

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) occurs when a blockage forms in the veins carrying blood away from the retina. This can lead to swelling, bleeding, and vision loss if not treated promptly.

Types of Retinal Vein Occlusion

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)
Affects the main vein of the retina, often causing severe vision loss.

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)
Affects smaller branches of the retinal vein, typically causing partial vision loss

Causes and Risk Factors

Common Causes

• Blood clots in the retinal veins.
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) pressing on the veins.
• Glaucoma, which increases pressure in the eye.

Risk Factors

• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Diabetes.
• High cholesterol.
• Smoking.
• Age (more common in people over 50).

Symptoms

• Sudden blurred or distorted vision in one eye.
• Floaters or dark spots in your vision.
• Painless but noticeable vision changes.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may use:

• Dilated eye exam to inspect the retina.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to detect swelling or fluid buildup.
• Fluorescein angiography to highlight blocked veins.

Treatment Options

Medications

• Anti-VEGF injections (e.g., Avastin, Eylea) to reduce swelling and improve vision.
• Steroid injections to decrease inflammation.

Laser Therapy

• Laser photocoagulation to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling.

Lifestyle Changes

• Manage blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
• Quit smoking to improve blood flow.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms require emergency attention, it is safer to call your healthcare provider or eye clinic for advice.

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With a proven track record of excellence in glaucoma and cataract care, Dr. Mahnaz Shah and her team are here to help you protect your vision—with confidence.