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Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion: causes, symptoms and treatments

Retinal vein or artery occlusion occurs when the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood to or from the retina become blocked, leading to partial or total vision loss.

What is Retinal Vein Occlusion and Retinal Artery Occlusion? Symptoms of Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion Causes of Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion Central vs. Branch Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion Treatment Options for Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion FAQs Book a consultation Glossary

Retinal vein or artery occlusion occurs when the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood to or from the retina become blocked, leading to partial or total vision loss.

What is Retinal Vein Occlusion and Retinal Artery Occlusion?

  • Retinal Vein Occlusion: This condition arises when a vein responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes blocked, causing blood and other fluids to leak into the retina. This leakage leads to swelling and damage, resulting in sudden, painless blurring or loss of vision in the affected eye.
  • Retinal Artery Occlusion: Retinal artery occlusion occurs when an artery supplying blood to the retina is blocked. The blockage restricts oxygen flow to the retina, causing retinal cells to die. This leads to a sudden, painless loss of vision in the affected eye.

Symptoms of Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion

  • Retinal Vein Occlusion Symptoms: Depending on the severity, symptoms may include blurred vision, partial or complete vision loss, and the appearance of floaters. Typically, only one eye is affected, and in some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms.
  • Retinal Artery Occlusion Symptoms: This condition is usually painless and typically affects only one eye. Symptoms include a sudden loss of vision and blurry vision.

Causes of Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion

  • Causes of Retinal Vein Occlusion: The primary cause is often a blood clot. Other factors that increase the risk include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
  • Causes of Retinal Artery Occlusion: Similar to vein occlusion, artery occlusion can result from a blood clot or cholesterol buildup in the artery. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are significant risk factors.

Central vs. Branch Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion

  • Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) vs. Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): CRVO involves a blockage in the main retinal vein, affecting the entire retina and leading to more severe vision loss. BRVO affects one of the smaller branch veins, causing partial vision loss.
  • Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) vs. Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO): CRAO involves blockage in the central retinal artery, impacting the whole retina, resulting in more significant vision impairment. BRAO affects smaller branches of the artery, leading to less severe vision loss.

Treatment Options for Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion

  • Treatment for Retinal Vein Occlusion:
    • Intravitreal Injections: Anti-VEGF injections can prevent further damage by stopping the leakage of blood and fluids, reducing swelling, and potentially improving vision.
    • Laser Treatment: Used to remove abnormal blood vessels that may develop on the retina due to the occlusion.
  • Treatment for Retinal Artery Occlusion:
    • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Helps increase oxygen levels in the retina until normal blood flow resumes.
    • Medication and Eye Massage: Can be employed to dislodge the blood clot.
    • Eye Pressure Reduction: Medications or procedures like removing fluid from the eye with a needle can lower eye pressure.

For more detailed information and to discuss treatment options tailored to your condition, please contact us today.

FAQs

What Should I Do If I Experience Sudden Vision Loss?

Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency. You should seek immediate medical attention, ideally from an eye specialist or an emergency room. Prompt treatment can help prevent permanent damage.

Can Retinal Vein or Artery Occlusion Recur?

Yes, both RVO and RAO can recur, especially if the underlying risk factors, like hypertension or diabetes, are not well managed. Regular monitoring and treatment of these conditions are essential.

What is the Prognosis for Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion?

The prognosis varies:

  • RVO: With early treatment, many patients can recover partial vision, but some may experience permanent vision loss.
  • RAO: The prognosis is generally poorer, with many patients experiencing permanent vision loss due to the sudden and severe nature of the condition.

Are There Any Long-Term Complications from RVO or RAO?

Yes, long-term complications can include:

  • For RVO: Chronic macular oedema (swelling), neovascularisation (abnormal blood vessel growth), and glaucoma.
  • For RAO: Persistent vision loss, neovascular glaucoma, and in rare cases, retinal detachment.
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