Eye Conditions

Retinal Vein Occlusion

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Dr Robert Bourke

Dr Lewis Lam

Dr Sharon Morris

Dr Daniel Allbon

Dr Darryl Gregor

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What is a Retinal Vein Occlusion

A retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, and there are two main forms:

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): The large central retinal vein at the optic nerve is blocked resulting in poor blood flow throughout the entire retina – can cause severe vision loss
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): A branch of retinal vein is blocked – vision loss may not as be severe

Retinal veins are blood vessels inside the eye that carry blood from the retina back to the heart. When blocked, they cannot drain properly and a pressure build up causes leakage and a pooling of blood and fluid in the retina

What are the symptoms

In most cases, a retinal vein occlusion only affects one eye and symptoms include:

Blurred vision
Floaters
Eye pain
Gradual or sudden vision loss

Complications of a retinal vein occlusion include swelling (macular oedema), bleeding (hemorrhage or neovascular glaucoma) and permanent damage to retinal capillaries (ischaemia) which may result in vision loss, blindness or even loss of the eye if untreated.

What is a Retinal Vein Occlusion

A retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, and there are two main forms:

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): The large central retinal vein at the optic nerve is blocked resulting in poor blood flow throughout the entire retina – can cause severe vision loss
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): A branch of retinal vein is blocked – vision loss may not as be severe

What are the symptoms

In most cases, a retinal vein occlusion only affects one eye and symptoms include:

Blurred vision
Floaters
Eye pain
Gradual or sudden vision loss

What causes a Retinal Vein Occlusion?

A retinal vein occlusion can happen at any age, but it is more prevalent over the age of 60.

Other risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a retinal vein occlusion include:

High blood pressure
High blood lipid levels (including cholesterol)
Diabetes
Glaucoma
Blood disorders
Smoking
Poor nutrition
Overweight

An Overview of a Retinal Vein Occlusion

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Treatment of a Retinal Vein Occlusion

Treatments considered will vary depending on the type of retinal vein occlusion, its location, severity and length of time.

If the centre of the retina has not been affected and vision remains good, no treatment may be an option. In limited cases, some mild retinal vein occlusions can resolve without treatment over many months.

Anti-VEGF (Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections involves medication to shrink the pooled blood vessels and dry up the excess fluid. This medication is administered via intravitreal injection.

Laser treatment is occasionally used as an adjunct treatment with anti-VEGF injections to help control swelling and bleeding.

Vitrectomy surgery may be recommended in cases where there has been bleeding into the vitreous cavity or a membrane (scar tissue) develops on the surface of the retina.

The earlier treatment is commenced, the greater the chance of preserving vision, as the longer the retina is swollen, the more permanent damage is done.

View Video