Retinal Vein Occlusion

Loss of vision in one eye or blurry vision can indicate retinal vein occlusion. This condition affects over 16 million people and can cause vision loss when left untreated. At Atlantic Retina Consultants in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Titusville, and Rockledge, Florida, skilled optometrists Hetal Vaishnav, MD, Gary Ganiban, MD, and their team diagnose and treat retinal vein occlusion to avoid complications. Schedule an eye evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is retinal vein occlusion?

Retinal vein occlusion is caused by a tiny blocked blood vessel that carries blood away from the retina in your eye. Symptoms can develop suddenly, and prompt attention is required to avoid bleeding, swelling, or other severe complications.

Two main types of retinal vein occlusion are central retinal vein occlusion (blockage of a main vein in the retina) and branch retinal vein occlusion (blockage of a smaller vein).

What are the symptoms of retinal vein occlusion?

The symptoms of retinal vein occlusion include:

• Blurry vision
• Vision loss in one eye
• Swelling
• Eye pressure
• Eye pain
• Floaters

Increased eye pressure can also occur. You might not have any symptoms unless complications develop.

Complications linked to retinal vein occlusion include retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, abnormal blood vessel formation, bleeding in the eye, glaucoma, and cardiovascular diseases.

The Atlantic Retina Consultants team can detect retinal vein occlusion during a routine eye exam. Treatment helps manage complications and protect your vision.

What increases the risk of retinal vein occlusion?

The risk factors for developing retinal vein occlusion include:

• Decreased blood flow
• Blood clot
• Compressed retinal vein
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Atherosclerosis
• Being over 40
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Prior history of retinal vein occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion usually affects people in their 50s and 60s, though it sometimes appears in people younger than 40.

How is retinal vein occlusion diagnosed?

Diagnosing retinal vein occlusion involves discussing your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle. Your eye doctor completes a comprehensive eye exam, retinal imaging, and vision testing. They dilate your pupils using eyedrops to obtain an unobstructed view of your eyes during the exam.

How is retinal vein occlusion treated?

Treating retinal vein occlusion can involve:

• Steroid injections
• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections
• Medication
• Eyedrops
• Laser treatments
• Vitrectomy surgery

Treating retinal vein occlusion can improve your vision or reduce the risk of vision loss. Your provider tailors a treatment plan that offers the best possible outcome.

You might take medication to manage risk factors for retinal vein occlusion, like diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).

Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, maintaining an ideal weight, and not smoking can reduce the risk of retinal vein occlusion and maximize general eye health.

Schedule an evaluation at Atlantic Retina Consultants by phone or request one online today to be screened for retinal vein occlusion.