Retinal Vein Occlusion: Symptoms, Risks, and What You Can Do

As we age, many of us expect some minor changes in our vision. However, age combined with other physical factors can have a more serious impact on our eyes, particularly the retina. One condition to be aware of is retinal vein occlusion (RVO), which occurs when a blood clot blocks a vein in the retina. This serious issue can put your vision at risk, often without any warning signs until complications develop. That's why it’s crucial to prioritize early detection and make regular eye appointments a part of your health routine.

What Is Retinal Vein Occlusion?

The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye that plays a pivotal role in converting light into the images we perceive. Retinal occlusions refer to partial or complete blockages within the retinal vascular system, which can lead to damage and vision loss. These occlusions include both retinal vein occlusions and retinal artery occlusions (RAOs).

RVOs block blood drainage from the eye, causing blood and fluid to leak, leading to blurry vision and potential nerve damage. In contrast, RAOs block the blood supply to the retina, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to sudden and severe vision loss.

Both conditions can occur in specific areas, such as the branches of the veins and arteries (known as branch retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal artery occlusion), or they can affect the central retinal vein and artery (referred to as central retinal vein occlusion and central retinal artery occlusion, respectively).

RVO Symptoms and Risk Factors

Recognizing the symptoms of RVO is crucial for your eye health. Most commonly, RVO affects just one eye and may present with the following signs:

• Blurry vision or loss of vision
• Floaters
• Pain or pressure in the eye

Many patients with RVO often don't realize they have it until it’s discovered during a routine eye check-up. Being proactive is key, and knowing your risk factors can lead to early detection. For example, being over the age of 40 significantly increases your risk. Additionally, if you have conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or atherosclerosis, your chances rise even higher. If you’ve previously had RVO in one eye, you’re more likely to develop the condition in your other eye.

Treating RVO

For some patients, the best course of action is to address underlying risk factors. If you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage these conditions, reducing your risk of developing RVO. Other treatment options include:

• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections: These medications help inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye and are administered directly into the eye.
• Steroid injections: Steroid injections can help decrease inflammation and fluid leakage in the retina.
• Photocoagulation: This medical procedure utilizes a laser to seal or destroy blood vessels in the retina
• Vitrectomy surgery: During a vitrectomy, a retina specialist removes the blood obscuring the visual axis, helping to improve visual acuity over time

Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist

It’s easy to overlook the crucial role blood vessels play in maintaining vision. If you’re at risk for developing retinal occlusions, it’s essential to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, even if you aren't experiencing any noticeable symptoms. At Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY, our experienced retina specialists can diagnose and treat a wide range of retinal conditions, including RVOs.

Vitreoretinal Consultants is proud to be one of the largest retina practices serving patients in Elmhurst, NY, Flushing, NY, Great Neck, NY, Hauppauge, NY, Scarsdale, NY, Riverhead, NY, Rockville Centre, NY, Shirley, NY, New City, NY, and Westbury, NY. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.