What Is Retinal Vein Occlusion?
RVO is a condition that disrupts blood flow in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. With RVO, swelling in the retina called retinal edema, occurs, leading to vision loss. There are two primary types of RVO:
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO):
- Occurs when a smaller vein in the retina is blocked.
- Often affects only a portion of the retina, leading to partial vision loss.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO):
- Involves the main vein of the retina, causing more widespread vision issues.
- Typically results in more severe symptoms compared to BRVO.
Symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion
RVO can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the blockage:
- Sudden or gradual blurring of vision
- Dark spots or floaters in your vision
- Partial or complete loss of vision in one eye
- Swelling or pressure in the eye
Risk Factors for Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Age: RVO is more common in individuals over 50.
- Underlying Health Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and glaucoma increase risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and obesity can contribute to vascular issues.
- Blood Disorders: Conditions that increase blood clotting can lead to vein occlusion.
How We Diagnose Retinal Vein Occlusion
At River City Retina Consultants, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately identify and assess RVO:
- Dilated Eye Exam: Provides a detailed view of the retina to detect swelling or bleeding.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): High-resolution imaging to identify fluid buildup or retinal swelling.
- Fluorescein Angiography: Highlights blocked or leaking blood vessels in the retina.
Treatment Options for Retinal Vein Occlusion
While there is no cure for RVO, treatments can effectively manage the condition and preserve vision:
Medications:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications like Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea or Vabysmo, to name a few, reduce swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Steroid Injections: Such as Ozurdex, help control inflammation and reduce macular edema.
Laser Therapy:
- Focal Laser Treatment: Seals leaking blood vessels to reduce swelling.
- Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation (PRP): Prevents complications such as neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth), which can cause bleeding in the eye.
Surgical Options:
- Vitrectomy: Removes blood or vitreous gel to improve vision and alleviate symptoms in severe cases.
