Retina
What is a retinal vein occlusion?
A retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of one of the veins draining blood from the retina. Blood and fluid back up into the retina, causing sudden painless blurring or a missing area of vision in one eye. It is strongly linked to high blood pressure, diabetes and raised cholesterol, so it needs a general health review as well as eye treatment.
Types and symptoms
When the main vein is blocked, vision in the whole eye blurs. When a branch is blocked, only part of the field is affected, which may be noticed as a smudge or missing patch. There is no pain and no redness, and the other eye is usually unaffected.
Why it happens
- High blood pressure, the commonest associated condition
- Diabetes and raised cholesterol
- Glaucoma or raised eye pressure
- Blood disorders that thicken the blood, particularly in younger patients
- Smoking
Assessment
The retina is examined and imaged, and an OCT scan shows whether the macula has swollen. Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and eye pressure are checked, and in younger people blood tests may be arranged to look for a clotting tendency. Treating these underlying conditions protects the other eye.
Treatment
The blockage itself cannot be reopened. Treatment targets its consequences, mainly swelling of the macula, usually with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and sometimes steroid. Retinal laser is used where areas of retina have been left short of oxygen and abnormal vessels appear. Regular review is needed because swelling can return.
When to seek urgent assessment
- Sudden painless loss or blurring of vision in one eye, which needs prompt assessment
- A painful red eye with poor vision weeks after the blockage, which can indicate raised pressure from new vessels
Frequently asked questions
- Will the vision recover?
- Some vision often returns as swelling settles with treatment, but recovery is partial in many cases and depends on how much of the retina was affected.
- Could it happen in the other eye?
- It can, which is why controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and eye pressure is an important part of treatment.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Care at Standard Eye
Related answers
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- What is an OCT scan of the retina?
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