A retinal vein occusion means that a vein in the retina has become blocked. The retina is the light sensing tissue at the back of the eye.

Blockage or occlusion in the vein prevents adequate blood flow in the affected area. The walls of the vein leak blood and excess fluid into the retina.

There are two types of retinal vein occlusion:

• Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)
• Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)

Likewise, there are two types of retinal artery occlusion:

• Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)
• Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO)

Retinal vein occlusions are more common in people who have glaucoma, diabetes, age-related vascular diseases, high blood pressure or blood disorders.

Symptoms:
Blurred vision is the main symptom of retinal vein occlusion. It occurs when the excess fluid leaking from the vein collects in the macula.

After an complete eye examination, the ophthalmologist may order blood tests or a fluorescein angiogram. The eye doctor may also suggest visiting the primary physician to discover and manage any associated medical problems.

Treatment:
There is no cure for retinal vein occlusion. The eye doctor may recommend a period of observation, since hemorrhages and excess fluid may subside on their own.

Laser surgery improves sight in some patients with BRVO and macular edema, but vision does not usually return to normal. Laser surgery is not as helpful in CRVO, but new bypes of laser surgery are being evaluated, as well as injections of medicine into the eye.

The eye doctor will decide which treatment is appropriate for each case. Frequent follow up examinations are essential.

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