Retinal Vein Occlusion

What is Retinal Vein Occlusion?

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disorder after diabetic retinopathy. Retinal vein occlusions (RVO) occur when there is a blockage in the retinal veins. This can present with sudden, painless vision loss as the obstruction blocks blood drainage.

Vision loss can occur from circulation damage or swelling in the macula (the area responsible for central vision – and critical visual tasks such as reading and recognizing faces). The resulting circulation damage can also lead to abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. Left untreated, RVO can lead to glaucoma and severe visual impairment.

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is the blockage of one of the smaller branch veins.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is the blockage of the vein draining the retinal tissue at the back of the eye. 

What are the symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion?

• Blurry vision in part or all of one eye
• Dark spots or floating lines
• Pain or pressure in the eye
• No Symptoms

What are the risk factors for Retinal Vein Occlusion?

• Age (common over the age of 60)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Glaucoma/ raised intraocular pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Conditions which ‘thicken’ the blood

How is Retinal Vein Occlusion Treated?

Treatments are available at Minnesota Retina Associates that may improve the vision. The most common treatments are intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medications designed to decrease macular leakage and to stop the growth of abnormal new blood vessels in the eye. 

Treatments for RVO include:

• Annual vision monitoring with dilated eye exams
• Laser treatments
• Intra-vitreal injections – The injection of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) Medications into the vitreous cavity (retina location) can be a highly effective treatment for retinal vein occlusion. These injections are done in our Golden Valley Bloomington and Hutchinson offices.
• Anti-VEGF medications stop the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. Most patients require a series of injections, so they require periodic monitoring to evaluate when additional treatments with the anti-VEGF agents are needed.