fbpx
Retinal Vein Occlusions2022-03-07T10:14:46+00:00

Retinal vein occlusion is an eye condition which can cause sudden blindness

We can treat this condition with injections or laser treatment

Retinal vein occlusion is an eye condition which can cause sudden blindness

We can treat this condition with injections or laser treatment

Restore clarity and confidence in your sight

Discover more about this condition and how to treat it

Retinal vein occlusions incidence / prevalence

When blood vessels to the retina are blocked, it is known as a retinal vein occlusion or ‘eye stroke’ and can cause sudden blindness.

The retina is the part of the eye where light is focused and converted to electrical signals sent to the brain. A retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of the blood vessels that feed the retina and can result in severe and sudden vision problems.

Just like a stroke causes damage to other parts of the body when blood circulation fails, a retinal vein occlusion causes damage to the eye. When the blood flow to the retina is blocked, oxygen and nutrients cannot reach it, and a haemorrhage (bleeding) occurs.

This condition usually occurs because of a hardening of the arteries, which then press on the vein. People with certain medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, are more at risk of retinal vein occlusion than others. Retinal vein occlusions are also most common in people over 60 years of age.

Just as a stroke can occur suddenly and without warning, symptoms of a retinal vein occlusion or ‘eye stroke’ usually occur quite suddenly. A sudden loss of vision, or sudden blurring of vision, is often the first sign that many people are aware of. The severity of symptoms differs from person to person. It depends on whether the blockage is central or a branch vein.

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)

A branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) refers to a blockage of the smaller retinal veins. This usually results in blurred vision or a missing area of vision. Many people with a BRVO find that their vision gradually improves again over time, as the eye naturally heals itself.

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)

A blockage to the central or main retinal vein is more serious. Usually, it involves a more severe loss of vision. Total loss of central vision is not unusual, and recovery is less likely than with a BRVO.

In most cases of retinal vein occlusions, vision problems are caused by fluid leaking from blocked blood vessels into the vitreous ‘gel’ inside the eye.

However, a secondary problem is the growth of new and abnormal blood vessels. These grow into the vitreous cavity rather than into the damaged retina and often bleed, blocking off vision. This is known as a vitreous haemorrhage.

CRVO, in particular, can also lead to glaucoma in some people.

We can diagnose retinal vein occlusion with a dilated fundus examination or with a fundus camera.

Depending on the type and severity of the retinal vein occlusion, treatment can include laser treatment, drug injections or a vitrectomy.

A BRVO may not require any treatment and may heal itself given time. A CRVO, on the other hand, may require immediate treatment.

If you suffer any of the symptoms of retinal vein occlusion, it’s important to see an eye specialist straight away.

If you are diagnosed with a retinal vein occlusion, you should also visit your GP for a check-up. This is because you may be more at risk of clotting and circulation problems in other parts of your body.

Can I do anything to prevent a retinal vein occlusion?

It is important to keep your blood pressure in the normal range and watch your blood sugar levels as high blood pressure and diabetes are risk factors for developing retinal vein occlusions.

Will glasses fix my vision after a retinal vein occlusion?

Glasses will not fix a retinal vein occlusion.

What will my vision look like if I get a retinal vein occlusion?

Typically the initial symptom is a sudden loss of vision or sudden blurring of vision.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Give us a call to book your appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Give us a call to book your appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Does poor vision or the limitations of glasses or contact lenses hold you back?

Choose the option below that sounds most like you to discover your best solution

Do your glasses and contacts get in your way or make you feel uncomfortable?

Do you feel a bit meh when wearing glasses or when your eyes feel dry from your contact lenses? Perhaps poor vision and the inconvenience of glasses and contacts stops you from participating in certain activities you enjoy or even simply enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes around you. Laser eye surgery could be the answer.

LEARN MORE

Are you struggling with the hassle of reading glasses?

Whether you’re new to reading glasses or have worn them your whole life, it doesn’t take long to notice how annoying they can sometimes be. Before you know it, there’s a pair of readers everywhere you look; around your neck, in your pockets, and in every room of the house. But when you need them, they’re nowhere to be found. Restore your vision (and avoid future cataract surgery too).

LEARN MORE

Is your vision becoming cloudy, blurry and dull or have you been diagnosed with cataracts?

When your glasses are no longer effective, your quality of life is impacted. At first, you might be able to muddle by. But as your vision deteriorates, your ability to function as you normally would is needlessly compromised. With modern cataract surgery, you have the choice to quickly and easily improve your vision (and even reduce your dependence on glasses).

LEARN MORE

We are proud to be associated with top quality private medical insurers

Give us a call to understand how your insurance can help cover your treatment

Gain visual freedom in 3 easy steps

Eye treatment options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be

Get in touch

The first step is to call us so we can answer any questions we can on the phone. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 99 2020 or request a call back from us.

We’ll meet

At your consultation, we’ll diagnose your issues, answer your questions and give you a clear recommendation based on your needs. You’ll confidently leave with a clear understanding of your treatment options.

Enjoy clarity

After treatment, people often tell us how pleased they were that they took action when they did. They’re often so glad that they reached out so that we could address their concerns and help them resolve their troublesome eye condition.

Watch the best patient education videos on eye treatment in New Zealand

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom

Additional resources on retinal disorders and their treatments

Learn more about treating retinal eye conditions from authoritative sources.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disorder following diabetic retinopathy and is often associated with vision loss. Retinal vein occlusion occurs when there is a partial or complete obstruction of a retinal vein, and it is classified by the location of the occlusion. Click here to read more.

A blockage in the retina’s main vein is referred to as a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), while a blockage in a smaller vein is called a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Click here to read more.

Arteries and veins carry blood throughout your body, including your eyes. The eye’s retina has one main artery and one main vein. When branches of the retinal vein become blocked, it is called branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

When the vein is blocked, blood and fluid spills out into the retina. The macula can swell from this fluid, affecting your central vision. Eventually, without blood circulation, nerve cells in the eye can die and you can lose more vision. Click here to watch a video on branch retinal vein occlusion.

Note: These links will take you off our website

OUR LOCATIONS
Our Locations 
OUR POPULAR PROCEDURES
TAKE A STEP TO FREEDOM

Discover if you could be free from the hassle of glasses and contacts.

Take the first step by getting your free laser suitability assessment to check if your eyes are suitable and which treatment option is right for your eyes.

© Eye Institute | Privacy and Cookie Policy | Website by LiveseySolar

Go to Top