Retinal Vein Occlusion

The retina is a thin layer of nerve tissue in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. Tiny blood vessels supply the retina with oxygen and other nutrients. Retinal arteries deliver the blood to the retina and retinal veins carry it back to the heart. Sometimes one of these arteries hardens or swells and presses on a nearby vein. The vein can then become blocked, or occluded, making it difficult for blood to leave the eye. This is called a retinal vein occlusion (RVO). It is also known as venous stasis retinopathy or hemorrhagic retinopathy. The blocked circulation can lead to swelling, bleeding, growth of abnormal blood vessels, and partial or total vision loss.

Retinal vein occlusions are the second most common cause of blood vessel-related vision loss (the first is diabetic retinopathy). The condition occurs most often in men and women over the age of 50, particularly those in their 60s and 70s. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, glaucoma, and, rarely, blood clotting and inflammatory conditions.

Treatment depends on the severity of the blockage and the location of the blocked vein. If the largest vein leaving the eye is affected, the condition is known as a central retinal vein occlusion, or CRVO; otherwise, it is called a branch retinal vein occlusion, or BRVO. BRVOs often occur with no pain or noticeable loss of vision. It is important to have routine eye exams to detect any developing problems early. You can keep tabs on your vision between appointments by closing one eye at a time.

Retinal vein occlusions are detected during a retinal exam. A fluorescein angiogram may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and/or aid in treatment planning. Indications that an occlusion is present include bleeding in the eye, macular swelling or ischemia (loss of blood supply), and neovascularization – abnormal growth of new blood vessels. 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.

There is no cure for retinal vein occlusions. Emphasis is placed on risk management, treatment of symptoms and prevention of further vision loss. It is critical to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other health conditions that increase the risk of vascular hardening, narrowing and blood clotting.

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusions (BRVO)

Macular swelling may be treated with lasers or steroids. Surgery may be recommended if scar tissue forms on the retina. Neovascularization typically appears six months to a year after the occlusion. It can cause bleeding, retinal detachment and reduced vision in its advanced stages, so laser photocoagulation treatment is recommended to slow or stop vessel growth. If bleeding continues, a vitrectomy may be performed to remove the blood and abnormal vessels and some of the vitreous gel. Vitrectomy can also relieve tension from a retinal detachment. Patients with advanced BRVO may undergo a vitrectomy followed by an arteriovenous sheathotomy, a new procedure in which the blocked vein is surgically separated from the artery compressing it.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusions (CRVO)

Laser treatment and intravitreal medications have proven effective for prevention of complications caused by CRVO. These include neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma, severe and painful high pressure in the eye that can cause substantial vision loss and blindness. Vision lost to CRVO or neovascular glaucoma cannot be recovered. Other treatments such as surgery and steroids are being tested.