Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage in the ocular blood vessel that can result in vision loss.

- Dr. K. Bhujang Shetty

The retinal veins carry away used blood from the retina and when one of these veins are blocked, the used blood cannot drain away which causes swelling and hemorrhage (bleeding).

There are two distinct types of retinal occlusion:

• Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) - a blockage in the main retinal vein.
• Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) - a blockage in a smaller retinal vein.

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)

Arteries carry blood from the heart to various body parts, and veins return it. The retina has one major artery and one major vein, which is called the central retinal vein. Sometimes this vein can be blocked suddenly to some degree by a blood clot. In most cases, an underlying cause is not known. It is more common in patients with glaucoma, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes.

When the central retinal vein is blocked, the circulation through the retina is greatly reduced and often resulting in swelling of the center of the retina which is called macular edema leading to blurring of vision. A few patients have a spontaneous improvement in vision with time. However, in most cases the vision remains the same or worsens without treatment. The ultimate visual outcome cannot be predicted for anyone. In general, the more severe the occlusion and associated macular edema, the less likely the vision will improve spontaneously.

• Treatment options for CRVO