Patient Education
Retinal Vein Occlusion
A retinal vein occlusion (RVO) occurs when one of the veins carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked, causing blood and fluid to back up into the retina. This can lead to macular swelling and vision loss.
Typical Symptoms
- Sudden blurry or distorted vision, often in one eye
- A blind spot or dark area in part of your vision
- Vision that fluctuates during the day
- Floaters from bleeding inside the eye
- In some cases, no pain
How It's Diagnosed
Dilated Eye Exam
The retina shows characteristic findings: hemorrhages (bleeding) scattered in a flame-like pattern, swollen blood vessels, and sometimes optic nerve swelling.
OCT
Measures the degree of macular swelling (macular edema), which is the main driver of vision loss in RVO.
Fluorescein Angiography
Maps the areas of blocked blood flow and abnormal vessel leakage to guide treatment planning.
How It Affects Vision
Vision loss from RVO is primarily caused by fluid accumulation in the macula (macular edema). Severity varies — some patients notice only mild blurring while others experience significant central vision loss. In severe cases, poor blood flow can lead to abnormal vessel growth (neovascularization), which can cause further bleeding or pressure buildup inside the eye.
Treatment Options
Anti-VEGF Injections
Eye injections that reduce macular swelling and prevent abnormal vessel growth. These are the most effective first-line treatment for macular edema from RVO.
Steroid Injections or Implants
Corticosteroid injections (such as Ozurdex implant) reduce inflammation and swelling, particularly useful for patients who don't fully respond to anti-VEGF therapy.
Laser Treatment
Panretinal laser photocoagulation is used to treat abnormal blood vessel growth when it develops in severe cases.
When to Seek Urgent Care
If you experience sudden vision loss or distortion in one eye, seek evaluation promptly. While not always a surgical emergency, early diagnosis and treatment of macular edema gives the best chance of vision recovery.
Call us: 210-615-7600