Retinal Vein Occlusion
What is Retinal Vein Occlusion?
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is an eye condition where one of the veins carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked. This blockage disrupts normal blood flow, leading to swelling and fluid leakage in the retina, which can cause blurred or reduced vision in one eye. If left untreated, RVO can lead to complications that severely affect vision.
Learn more about our Retina Treatment for managing conditions like RVO effectively.
Types of RVO:
- Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): The main vein of the retina is blocked, often resulting in significant vision loss.
- Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): A smaller branch vein is blocked, typically causing less severe vision impairment compared to CRVO.
Symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion:
- Sudden vision loss or blurriness in one eye
- Distorted vision, where straight lines appear wavy or bent
- Flashes of light or floaters, indicating bleeding or leakage in the retina
- Difficulty seeing fine details or reading
Some individuals may not notice significant symptoms initially, especially if only a small portion of the retina is affected. However, vision may deteriorate over time if complications develop.
Diagnosis:
To diagnose RVO, an ophthalmologist will perform a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:
- Fundus Examination: Visual assessment of the retina to detect swelling, bleeding, or vein blockages.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging test that identifies macular swelling and fluid accumulation.
- Fluorescein Angiography: Injection of a special dye into the bloodstream, followed by retinal imaging to evaluate blood flow and identify blockages.
Treatment Options:
- Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications like ranibizumab or aflibercept are injected into the eye to reduce swelling and fluid leakage. These treatments target abnormal blood vessel growth and can improve vision, especially in cases of macular edema due to RVO.
- Corticosteroid Injections or Implants: Steroids such as dexamethasone may be administered to decrease inflammation and fluid buildup, particularly if anti-VEGF treatments are ineffective.
- Laser Photocoagulation: Laser therapy addresses areas of retinal ischemia or abnormal vessel growth resulting from vein occlusion, preventing further damage.
- Vitrectomy (Surgical Option): In cases with complications like persistent bleeding or retinal detachment, vitrectomy surgery may be necessary to remove the vitreous gel and examine the retina.
Prevention and Risk Management:
Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol contribute to RVO. Managing these factors through lifestyle changes, medications, and regular eye exams is crucial to prevent further complications and maintain overall eye health.
Visit our Eye Nutrition Treatment page to learn how diet can support eye health.
Managing Underlying Conditions:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and controlling underlying health conditions are vital in reducing the risk of RVO. Regular eye examinations can detect early signs of retinal vein occlusion and other eye conditions, allowing for timely intervention.
For comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans for retinal conditions, consult the specialists at Dayal Eye Centre.