Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusions
Understanding Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusions
Retinal vein and artery occlusions occur when the blood supply to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, is blocked, leading to a range of visual symptoms and potential complications.
Retinal vein occlusion
Copyright notice: This image was originally published in the Retina Image Bank® website
Author: David Callanan, MD, Photographer:David Callanan, MD
Title: BRVO/CHRPE, Year: 2014, Image Number:15926
©The American Society of Retina Specialists.
Retinal Artery Occlusion
Copyright notice: This image was originally published in the Retina Image Bank® website
Author: Vishal Gupta, MBBS, MS, Photographer:Vishal Gupta, MBBS, MS
Title: BRAO with Hollenhorst plaque, Year: 2021, Image Number:80932
©The American Society of Retina Specialists.
Retinal Artery Occlusion
Copyright notice: This image was originally published in the Retina Image Bank® website
Author: Vishal Gupta, MBBS, MS, Photographer:Vishal Gupta, MBBS, MS
Title: BRAO with Hollenhorst plaque, Year: 2021, Image Number:80932
©The American Society of Retina Specialists.
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Copyright notice: This image was originally published in the Retina Image Bank® website
Author: Vishal Gupta, MBBS, MS, Photographer:Vishal Gupta, MBBS, MS
Title: BRAO with Hollenhorst plaque, Year: 2021, Image Number:80932
©The American Society of Retina Specialists.
The most common causes for these conditions are uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).
Blockage in a retinal artery or vein can result in swelling, bleeding, and partial or total vision loss. Prompt treatment is essential to ensure the best possible visual outcome.
Treating Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusions
Effectively managing retinal vein and artery occlusions involves specialized eye care and medical interventions to address the underlying causes and minimize vision loss. While complete restoration of vision may not always be possible, there are treatment options available to improve your eye health:
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatment may be recommended to seal leaking blood vessels or reduce swelling in the retina, particularly in cases of retinal vein occlusion.
- Intravitreal Injections: Intravitreal injections can help reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage, as well as reduce inflammation and swelling in the retina.
- Retina Surgery: In severe cases of bleeding, surgical intervention might be required.
- Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management: For retinal artery occlusion, managing underlying conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels is essential to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Leading a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can contribute to better overall eye health and reduce the risk of future occlusions.
Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection of retinal vein and artery occlusions. Early intervention can help preserve your vision and prevent further complications.
At Texas Macula & Retina, we understand the impact that these ocular conditions can have on your life, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care and the latest treatment options. Our experienced team is here to support you in managing your condition and improving your eye health.
If you or a loved one are concerned about retinal vein or artery occlusions or seeking personalized guidance on treatment options, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can work towards safeguarding your eye health and maintaining the best possible vision for the future.