Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal Vein Occlusion is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the eye, specifically the veins that drain blood from the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for vision. When a vein becomes blocked, it causes blood and fluid to leak into the retina, leading to swelling and damage. This can result in sudden, painless vision loss or blurry vision in one eye. The condition mainly affects older adults and those with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or glaucoma. Early detection is important to prevent permanent vision impairment.

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is a vascular disorder characterized by the obstruction of retinal venous outflow, typically caused by thrombus formation at arteriovenous crossings or within the central retinal vein. The blockage leads to increased venous pressure, retinal hemorrhages, and macular edema, which impair retinal function. RVO is classified into central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) depending on the site of occlusion. Major risk factors include hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and glaucoma. Clinically, RVO presents with sudden, painless vision loss or visual field defects. Complications include neovascularization and secondary glaucoma, which can cause further vision deterioration.