The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball that contains photoreceptors and other cells responsible for processing light. The brain then converts this light into images. Similar to other body parts, the retina is surrounded by networks of nerves, veins, and capillaries.
Understanding the underlying factors that lead to retinal vein occlusion is crucial for effective management and treatment.
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, leading to reduced blood flow and damage to the eye. Below are some of the most common causes of this condition:
Several factors can increase your risk of developing Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO). Below are some of the most common risk factors associated with this condition:
Your doctor might mention that you have the non-ischemic or ischemic type of RVO. Non-ischemic RVO is more common and may indicate that your case is milder. You might experience blurry vision after sleep and have less severe symptoms overall.
Ischemic RVO is the more severe subtype. You might notice more sudden or concerning vision loss over a shorter time period, and you may experience more dramatic hemorrhaging.
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) can be further classified based on the location of the blockage within the retinal venous system, leading to different subtypes with varying implications for vision and treatment. These subtypes include:
Some people may have no noticeable symptoms of retinal vein occlusion and only learn about it during an eye exam. Others might experience mild issues that worsen over time as the condition progresses. Symptoms you may have experienced include:
These symptoms can appear in other eye conditions as well, so it’s essential to consult with an ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis.
If your primary eye doctor discovers RVO in your eye, you will often be referred to a retinal specialist from Abrams Eye Institute. Our retina surgeons are MDs with specialized training in diagnosing, managing, and performing surgery on the retina.
Once you arrive at your our surgery center, your doctor can use several methods to diagnose RVO, including:
The specialist will use eye drops to gently dilate your pupil, allowing a clearer view of your retina. Using tools like an ophthalmoscope, they will check for signs of bleeding and damage. Additionally, they may perform a visual field test to assess how much of your peripheral vision has been affected.
If they suspect RVO, you may need more diagnostic tests such as fundus photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) — both of which take high-quality retinal images. OCT, specifically, may be used to monitor the development of your condition.
Alternatively, your provider may ask you to undergo a fluorescein angiography exam. This test uses a dye injected into your arm that travels to your blood vessels, making the blockage easier to see during an imaging exam.
This newer assessment detects fluorescent pigments in the retina that may reveal damage or disease. For instance, spots of patchy white can indicate decreased blood flow caused by arterial compression.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to patients with RVO. Your ophthalmologist will take into account your medical history as well as your current symptoms to create an appropriate, tailored plan. For example, you may discuss the following options:
This innovative new treatment is injected into the eye to treat macular edema caused by BRVO and CRVO. Studies showed that Vabysmo® improves eyesight and reduces fluid in the eye.
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. VEGF is a protein normally found in the human body that encourages blood vessel growth, but sometimes, the body mistakenly produces too much of it. In this case, excess VEGF in the eye can cause too many new blood vessels to grow. Specialized anti-VEGF drugs such as aflibercept, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab can slow this growth and prevent swelling in the macula, which is the central part of the retina.
These laser treatments help improve vision by reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and preventing further damage to the retina. They aim to slow the progression of retinal vein occlusion, preserve remaining vision, and prevent complications like severe vision loss or retinal swelling. These procedures are designed to limit damage to the retina and stabilize the patient’s condition for better long-term visual outcomes.
There isn’t a pill you can take to cure RVO, but your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms and risk factors. For example, you may take statins to lower high cholesterol or antihypertensives to reduce high blood pressure.
Your doctor might recommend surgery, such as Posterior pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), if you have severe bleeding, long-lasting hemorrhaging, or retinal detachment due to retinal vein occlusion. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny cut, about half a millimeter wide, to remove the gel-like fluid inside the eye and repair damage to the retina.
This innovative new treatment is injected into the eye to treat macular edema caused by BRVO and CRVO. Studies showed that Vabysmo® improves eyesight and reduces fluid in the eye.
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. VEGF is a protein normally found in the human body that encourages blood vessel growth, but sometimes, the body mistakenly produces too much of it. In this case, excess VEGF in the eye can cause too many new blood vessels to grow. Specialized anti-VEGF drugs such as aflibercept, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab can slow this growth and prevent swelling in the macula, which is the central part of the retina.
These laser treatments help improve vision by reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and preventing further damage to the retina. They aim to slow the progression of retinal vein occlusion, preserve remaining vision, and prevent complications like severe vision loss or retinal swelling. These procedures are designed to limit damage to the retina and stabilize the patient’s condition for better long-term visual outcomes.
There isn’t a pill you can take to cure RVO, but your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage symptoms and risk factors. For example, you may take statins to lower high cholesterol or antihypertensives to reduce high blood pressure.
Your doctor might recommend surgery, such as Posterior pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), if you have severe bleeding, long-lasting hemorrhaging, or retinal detachment due to retinal vein occlusion. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny cut, about half a millimeter wide, to remove the gel-like fluid inside the eye and repair damage to the retina.
While it’s not possible to cure retinal vascular occlusion, it can be successfully managed with medications, injections, and careful monitoring. Caring for your overall health, including paying special attention to your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, can help your blood vessels stay as healthy as possible.
If treated properly, most people will regain most or all of their vision within a few months. However, if RVO isn’t controlled, it can cause hemorrhaging (blood leaking into the eyeball) and edema, which involves swelling in the retina. People with RVO have a higher chance of having a stroke, suffering from heart disease, or developing glaucoma — another condition involving inconsistent pressure in the eye.
Abrams Eye Institute boasts nearly two decades of experience in providing comprehensive care for patients in Southern Nevada who are navigating various levels of severity of retinal vein occlusion. We also treat various eye issues such as keratoconus, dry eye disease, cataracts, and macular edema. If you’re concerned about your eye health, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
