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RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

What is Retinal Vein Occlusion ?

The blood circulates within the retinal layers and is drained by a series of branches connecting at the optic nerve to form the central retinal vein. Interruption of either the central vein or one of the branches results in disturbance of vision. This is because the oxygen supply to the retina is affected. The vision may be severely affected with occlusion of the central vein (CRVO). The macular is the centre area of the retina which sub-serves detailed vision and colour vision. Branch Retinal Vein occlusion (BRVO) affects the central macula vision to varying degrees.

How does Retinal Vein Occlusion occur ?

Vein occlusion occurs due to sludging or slowing of the blood circulation. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of this happening and also certain types of contraceptive pill. High blood pressure is also an important risk factor. Untreated Glaucoma also increases the risk due to high pressure in the eye.

Treatment Involved for Retinal Vein Occlusion

Blockage of the vein cannot be reversed by specific treatment. However treatment with Laser is often used. This helps to stabilise the vision or to reduce the chance of further complications occurring. In younger people, venous occlusion may partly settle spontaneously with return of visual function. With patients with incipient vein occlusion with transient loss, it is very important to treat blood pressure and/or glaucoma and if the individual smokes they must discontinue smoking. This may prevent a full occlusion within the retinal system. In severe forms of vein occlusion new blood vessels grow on the retina rather like in diabetes and extensive laser treatment is required. This undertaken with local anaesthetic with laser generally delivered with contact lens as an outpatient.

During Treatment for Retinal Vein Occlusion

It is important to control high blood pressure and to discontinue smoking. The vision may improve a little in vein occlusions, particularly in young patients. It is important to avoid becoming dehydrated as this increases the sludging effect within the circulation.

After Treatment for Retinal Vein Occlusion

It is important to report and watch out for any sudden onset of black floaters with further loss of vision. This may herald a vitreous haemorrhage and urgent assessment is required.

If Retinal Vein Occlusion is Left Untreated

The most important consideration is to detect and treat any underlying condition, which may have serious health implications.