Retinal vein occlusion
About Retinal vein occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion is the blockage of blood flow through the vein that drains the light-sensitive layer of the eye called the retina. Blood backs up and causes bleeding and damage to the retina. Varying degrees of visual loss can occur depending on the severity of the blockage. Retinal vein occlusion is most common in men over 65. The risk of retinal vein occlusion increases with certain disease processes such as high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.Symptoms
Symptoms include painless loss of vision. The visual loss can present slowly with gradual vision loss over days to weeks.Tests & Diagnostics
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam and visual testing will be performed. The diagnosis can often be made based on exam findings. Your ophthalmologist may suggest a fluorescein angiogram (stain and picture of the vessels of the retina) to confirm the diagnosis.Conventional treatment summary
Treatment depends on the extent of the blockage. The mainstay of treatment involves the use of a laser (laser photocoagulation) to treat the damaged areas of the retina. This may improve vision and decrease the risk of glaucoma.Medical specialties
Ophthalmology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Retinal vein occlusion.