Retinal vein occlusion

Retinal venous occlusion is forced by veins to be blocked. Inflows and outflows of blood are blocked due to blood clots that have formed in the vessel. Blood does not enter the tissues, which provokes certain damage. In the same way, blood being not able to dry out provokes leakage of fluids and haemorrhagia.

Retinal vein occlusion causes

In most cases, it appears because of eyeveins being narrow. Predominantly, this’s seen in persons who have high pressure or several defects affecting bloodflow.

At the moment, there are no specific reasons why vessels can become clogged. Risk points include next-mentioned:

• hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis;
• bloodclots travel to eyes from other organs;
• narrowing of neck carotid arteries;
• cardiac ailments, particularly, irregular rhythms and problems with the functionality of the valves;
• overweight;
• the use of narcotic substances administered intravenously;
• age category over 60;
• glaucoma – a state in which the optic nerves are damaged;
• some blood ailments;
• a phenomenon when retina is thickening or there’s accumulation of excess liquid inside;
• diseases provoked by inflammation.

Retinal vein occlusion symptoms

Main vein occlusion symptom is rude changes in eyesight, particularly, blurred images, total or partial deprivation of visual ability. Mostly, symptomatology appears in one eye. These changes can be characterized by short-term or permanent manifestation. In addition, you may notice the following:

• lines or large dark spots appearing in eyesight;
• eye pressure and pain;
• indistinct eyesight.

Retinal vein occlusion diagnostics

At initial examinations, doctors perform a retina check using an ophthalmoscope to look for any bleeding or blockage.

1. Optical tomography – obtaining retina images using a high-resolution apparatus. Thus, doctors may reveal swelling.
2. Angiography – specific dyes are introduced in arm veins, which are then transported to the retinal area. Using obtained images, doctors inspect veins.

Retinal vein occlusion treatment

Now, a therapeutic method allowing to completely liquidate veins occlusion doesn’t exist. Complications provoked by occlusion can be removed, and ailment manifestations can be reduced by the following methods.

1. The introduction of special meds aimed at reducing activity of endothelial growth element provoking retinal oedema. Such medicines are administered intravially.
2. Corticosteroid meds with intravitreal injections – drug control of components causing inflammation and lead to tumefaction.
3. Laser therapy – with this procedure, the area where swelling is observed is affected by a laser.
4. Panretinal photocoagulation. This method is implemented if persons with occlusion have new retinal vessels.