The circulation of blood and nutrients to and from the surface of the retina moves through one vein and one artery. If either one of these passages or any of the smaller blood vessels connected to them become blocked, the blood flow to the retina could stop, resulting in sudden loss of vision.
Retinal vein occlusion, also known as venous stasis retinopathy or hemorrhagic retinopathy, can also lead to:
Retinal vein occlusions are the second most common cause of blood vessel-related vision loss, the first being diabetic retinopathy.
A retinal vein occlusion typically occurs in men and women over the age of 50, particularly those in their 60s and 70s.
Risk factors for a retinal vein occlusion include:
There is no cure for a retinal vein occlusion. Emphasis is placed on prevention of the condition by treating the symptoms and preventing further vision loss. A retinal vein occlusion is an indication of vascular disease. It is critical to reduce the risks of vascular disease by adhering to the following guidelines:
When complications of a retinal vein occlusion occur, the required treatment may include: