A retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of one of the veins that carries blood away from the retina — similar to a stroke, but in the eye. When a vein is blocked, blood and fluid back up into the retina, causing swelling and sometimes bleeding. This can blur or block your vision, sometimes quite suddenly.
There are two main types. AÂ branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)Â affects a smaller branch vein, usually causing blurring in just part of the vision. AÂ central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)Â affects the main retinal vein and can cause more significant vision loss across the whole eye.
Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and glaucoma. If you have experienced sudden vision loss or blurring, it is important to be seen promptly.
- Sudden blurred or lost vision in part or all of one eye
- A dark area or shadow in vision
- Floaters (from bleeding into the eye)
- Distorted or wavy vision
Treatment for retinal vein occlusions
Anti-VEGF Injections
The main treatment — reduce swelling in the macula caused by the blocked vein, helping to restore and preserve vision.
Steroid Injections
An alternative or addition to anti-VEGF therapy, particularly helpful in reducing persistent swelling.
Managing Underlying Conditions
Addressing blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors is an important part of treatment to prevent further occlusions.
Prompt treatment matters. Vision loss due to a retinal vein occlusion may be recoverable, especially with early treatment. If you notice sudden vision changes in one eye, please call us right away at (703) 841-2310.