Retinal Vein or Artery Occlusion

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, often due to a blood clot or compression by adjacent structures. It is commonly associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, and high cholesterol. Symptoms include sudden, painless vision loss or blurring, often in one eye. Swelling (macular edema) and bleeding in the retina can exacerbate vision problems.

Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO) is caused by a blockage in a retinal artery, typically due to an embolism (a traveling blood clot or debris). This condition is more urgent as it can lead to severe vision loss. Risk factors include atherosclerosis, heart disease, and clotting disorders. Symptoms include sudden, painless, and often severe loss of vision in one eye.

Diagnosis involves a thorough eye exam, including retinal imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography, along with blood tests and cardiovascular evaluations to identify underlying causes.

Treatment for RVO focuses on managing complications like macular edema using anti-VEGF injections or corticosteroids, while RAO may require immediate interventions like ocular massage, breathing into a paper bag to lower eye pressure, or medications to dissolve clots. Addressing underlying conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, is critical for both conditions to prevent recurrence and preserve visio