About RVO
A retinal vein occlusion (RVO) occurs when one of the veins that drains blood from the retina in the back of your eye becomes blocked. A blocked retinal vein damages the retinal blood vessels and can lead to hemorrhage (bleeding), impaired blood flow, and leakage of fluid and blood components (hard exudates) into the retina. RVO can cause visual impairment in four ways:- Blood and hard exudates can directly interfere with retinal function.
- Abnormal fluid can accumulate in the retina, leading to thickening and the presence of cyst-like fluid collections that distort normal retinal architecture. This is called cystoid macular edema(CME).
- Inadequate blood flow to the retina, which is called ischemia
- Abnormal blood vessels can grow from the surface of the retina. This is called neovascularization. These fragile blood vessels can bleed and form damaging scar tissue. Sometimes, these abnormal blood vessels can grow on the iris and drainage canals in the eye, leading to increased eye pressure (neovascular glaucoma).
Our board-certified ophthalmologists at Retina Consultants of Texas are experienced and trained in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal vein occlusions.
There are two different types of retinal vein occlusion (RVO):
- Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) occurs when the main vein that drains the retina becomes blocked.
- Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) occurs when one of the smaller retinal veins becomes blocked.
High Blood Pressure and Retinal Vein Occlusions
Causes and Symptoms
Diabetes, high blood pressure, poorly controlled cholesterol and smoking can all increase a patient’s risk of RVO. Many other conditions can cause RVO, including glaucoma, inflammation and blood clotting disorders (hypercoaguable states). Depending on your clinical situation, you may need to be evaluated for these less common conditions.
The most common symptoms of RVO include:
- Blurred and distorted central vision
- Dim vision
- Decreased sensitivity to light
Sometimes, however, patients with CRVO or BRVO experience no symptoms.
Diagnosis
Your Retina Consultants of Texas physician may obtain multiple types of ocular imaging, including photography, ocular coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography to help with your diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment and Prognosis
Depending on the cause and severity of a BRVO or CRVO, treatment may include one or more the following:
- Close clinical observation
- Intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications (Lucentis, Avastin, Eylea) or steroids
- Laser therapy
- Vitrectomy surgery
In addition to treatment of your eye, if you have CRVO or BRVO, it is very important that you work with your primary care physician to optimally control your cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and diabetes.
Treat RVO Today
The board-certified retinal specialists at Retinal Consultants of Texas work with each patient to diagnose and treat retinal vein occlusion. If found early, RVO can be treated so that further blockage of the veins to the retina do not progress and cause further damage. Our Southeast Texas retina practices offer numerous locations, each equipped to accurately and effectively diagnose, treat, and help manage RVO. Please call one of our area centers to schedule your appointment.
Learn More About Retinal Vein Occlusion
Visit Retina Consultants of Texas for Retinal Vein Occlusion Treatment in Houston and San Antonio
At Retina Consultants of Texas, preserving your vision is our mission. We offer a full spectrum of retinal care using the most advanced technologies to address diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous. For world-class retinal care, including retinal vein occlusion treatment, schedule an appointment with RCTX in the Greater Houston and Greater San Antonio, TX areas today.
