Retinal vein occlusion occurs when any of the tiny veins in the retina (the back of the eye) become blocked, often due to the hardening of your arteries and a blood clot. The blockage can occur in in the branch veins or in the main central vein. If blood cannot flow freely from the retina and becomes clogged, this can lead to a build-up of pressure in the blood vessels. If fluid and blood start to leak from the blood vessels, this can damage the retina and affect your vision.
Symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion
Some people will not have any symptoms of a retinal vein occlusion; others will experience:
- Blurry vision
- Dark spots/lines in vision
- Sudden permanent blindness
- Eye pain
- Peripheral vision loss
By having regular eye exams, your doctor can diagnose this condition early so your eyesight can be protected. Your doctor will examine the back of your eye to assess the health of your retina.
Risk Factors for Retinal Vein Occlusion
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Glaucoma
- Eye trauma
Treatment for Retinal Vein Occlusion
While there is no medical treatment for retinal vein occlusion, there are techniques that can be done to stabilize your vision:
- Injection of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) or a steroid to reduce swelling
- Focal laser therapy to close blood vessels near the center of your retina (the macula) using tiny burns
- Laser surgery to stop new blood vessels from growing and leaking blood/fluid
If you are having vision problems, waiting to schedule a comprehensive eye exam could cause you to permanently lose part of your precious vision. Our retina specialists in Las Vegas can diagnose your condition and offer recommendations to preserve your eyesight.
