Retinal vein occlusion
What is the retina?
The retina is the inner layer of the eye, like the “bladder” of a soccer ball. It is the part of the eye which detects light focused by the eye and transmits visual messages to the brain.
What is a retinal vein occlusion?
A retinal vein occlusion occurs when the vein that drains blood from the retina into the bloodstream becomes blocked. This blockage usually occurs in people who have a history of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
A retinal vein occlusion results in bleeding of the retina and swelling of the macula (the central part of the retina). It can cause blurred central vision as well as distorted central vision (“metamorphopsia”).
What is the treatment for a retinal vein occlusion?
If the retinal vein occlusion is mild and vision not affected, treatment may not be required. If vision is affected, treatment with intravitreal injections are usually required to improve the vision and prevent it from deteriorating further