A retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked. This can cause swelling, bleeding, and vision changes. Early diagnosis and treatment help protect vision and manage complications.
A retinal vein occlusion (RVO) happens when one of the veins in the retina is blocked, causing blood and fluid to back up. This can damage the retina and reduce vision.
There are two main types:
Blockage of the main vein draining blood from the retina, leading to widespread swelling and vision loss.
Blockage of a smaller branch vein, affecting only part of the retina and visual field.
Because symptoms can overlap with other retinal conditions, an eye exam is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually, and can include:
Exams and tests may include:
Detects retinal bleeding, swelling, or blocked veins.
Measures swelling in the retina (macular edema).
Highlights circulation problems in retinal veins.
Check for underlying conditions that may have contributed to the occlusion.
While there is no cure for RVO, treatments help manage complications:
Reduce swelling and improve vision in cases of macular edema.
May be used in some cases to reduce retinal swelling.
Treats abnormal new blood vessel growth and reduces bleeding risk.
Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes lowers the chance of recurrence.
Living with RVO often means managing both eye health and systemic health. Helpful steps include:
At Retina Consultants of Hawaii, our specialists provide advanced care to help patients with vein occlusions maintain vision and quality of life.
If you experience sudden or unexplained vision loss or blurring, contact your eye care provider immediately. If a retinal vein occlusion is suspected, they can coordinate specialized care with our team.
