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Risks and Treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion

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:

  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Growth of abnormal blood vessels
  • Partial or total loss of vision

Retinal vein occlusions are the second most common cause of blood vessel-related vision loss, the first being diabetic retinopathy.

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 Retinal Vein Occlusion

Risk factors for a retinal vein occlusion include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Glaucoma
  • Vitreous hemorrhage
  • Macular edema
  • Inflammatory conditions

Treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion

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:

  • Reduce high blood pressure
  • Reduce high cholesterol
  • Properly manage diabetes
  • Stop smoking
  • Eat a diet low in fat
  • Maintain weight
  • Exercise regularly

Complications of Retinal Vein Occlusion

When complications of a retinal vein occlusion occur, the required treatment may include:

  • Focal laser treatment for macular edema
  • Intraocular injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, or anti-VEGF, to block the growth of blood vessels that can cause glaucoma
  • Laser treatment to prevent the growth of blood vessels that can cause glaucoma

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