August 2023 - Armadale Eye Clinic

living with retinal vein occlusion armadale

A Detailed Guide For Living With Retinal Vein Occlusion

August 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Retinal Surgery /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

Living with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a condition that strikes the eyes, is an experience that becomes an integral part of daily life. Imagine waking up, your vision clouded by the whims of this tenacious disease, experiencing the painless loss of sight in one or both eyes.

A Voyage Inside the Eye: Unraveling the Mystery of RVO

The main retinal vein occlusion, central retinal vein occlusion, and branch retinal vein occlusion, collectively termed as retinal veins, all play a pivotal role in this predicament. You see, the anatomy of the eye is intricate. When these veins, the highways of our retinal blood flow, become obstructed, this condition is called retinal vein occlusion.

The disruption often results in abnormal new blood vessels, fluid leaking, and the subsequent swelling, contributing to the development of macular oedema.

The Types: Central and Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

Before we go deeper to the signs and symptoms of this condition, let’s understand more the types of this disease.
The condition may present itself as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), where the primary vein responsible for draining the retina becomes occluded. Alternatively, it could manifest as branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), a condition where one of the smaller branches of the central vein gets blocked. Both scenarios can lead to vision loss and require immediate attention.

The Signs and Symptoms: Unveiling the Silent Thief of Sight

Patients often complain of distorted vision or blurred vision. The severity varies, with some experiencing minor vision problems, and others suffering from low vision or profound vision loss. Visual acuity, our eyes’ sharpness of vision, can drastically diminish due to RVO.

How Long Does Retinal Vein Occlusion Last?

The duration of retinal vein occlusion can greatly vary depending on the individual’s overall health, specific eye condition, and responsiveness to treatment. Acute symptoms like blurred vision or visual loss may appear rapidly following the occlusion. Yet, complications such as the development of abnormal new blood vessels, macular oedema, and neovascular glaucoma can happen within months after the initial retinal blockage.

Risk Factors: Raising the Red Flags

High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking prominent risk factors. Additionally, eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, and high eye pressure can increase the likelihood of RVO occurrence.

So, as part of the treatment and prevention strategy, managing these risk factors. By lowering your blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, bringing down high cholesterol levels, and getting advice on stopping smoking can all contribute to reducing the chances of retinal vein occlusion affecting the other, currently unaffected eye.

Diagnosing RVO: Illuminating the Invisible

The process of diagnosis is a journey in itself. Tools such as optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiogram are used to evaluate the retinal vein occlusions and the retina’s central area. They help detect abnormal blood vessels, leaky blood vessels, and monitor the impact on the optic nerve and nerve cells.

Treatments: The Path to Regaining Sight

The affected eye often becomes the subject of numerous treatments. Anti-VEGF injections are frequently employed, targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor to limit new blood vessels’ growth. Intravitreal injections, laser treatment, and even retinal vein cannulation, though less common, are part of the arsenal against this condition. Meanwhile, the unaffected eye may require monitoring to ensure it stays clear of the condition.

Adapting to Life with Retinal Vein Occlusion

Vision loss or visual problems are significant challenges people with retinal vein occlusion face. However, with adjustments and adaptations, it’s possible to continue enjoying daily life despite these issues. If you’re dealing with central vision loss, there are tips and products, support and services to help you maintain independence and ensure a good quality of life. These may include low vision aids such as magnifiers for reading and screen reader software, among other technologies.

In addition to managing personal life, navigating professional life with retinal vein occlusion is crucial. Regular treatment for retinal vein occlusion could mean follow-up appointments spanning over several years. Discussing your diagnosis with your employer can help in arranging reasonable adjustments.

Here are some effective strategies to maximise your visual capacity:

living with retinal vein occlusion prognosis armadale

living with retinal vein occlusion prognosis armadale

1. Ensure your home has abundant and uniform lighting, as this can enhance visual clarity and reduce eye strain.

2. Incorporating basic, low-tech tools into your daily life, such as phones with oversized numbers and keyboards with larger prints, can significantly simplify tasks.

3. Leverage modern technology in your day-to-day activities. Computers and smartphones have text-to-speech functionality that can audibly read out your messages. There are also innovative appliances available, like talking microwaves and scales, to make routine activities more accessible.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Another crucial lifestyle adjustment is the management of risk factors. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and habits like smoking can increase the likelihood of developing RVO. Therefore, individuals with RVO may need to pay extra attention to their overall health, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and follow any prescribed treatments for underlying conditions.

Coping with Vision Loss and Moving Forward

Dealing with vision loss due to RVO can be emotionally and practically challenging. It’s essential to seek emotional support from friends, family, and professionals, as well as make practical adjustments to your daily life. By exploring vision rehabilitation services and using assistive technology, you can maintain an optimal quality of life and independence despite your vision loss.

Receiving a diagnosis of retinal vein occlusion can be unsettling. Facing regular follow-up appointments and dealing with potential vision loss can be stressful. However, support is available. Discussing your feelings with family and friends, connecting with others living with retinal vein occlusion, and seeking professional help can all alleviate the strain.

So, rest assured that many research institutions, such as the National Eye Institute, are continually researching new ways of treatments. Their work brings hope to those grappling with this condition and assures us that medical advancements are continually being made to improve the quality of life of those affected.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Lastly, living with RVO can be an emotionally challenging experience. Having a supportive company like your family and friends, along with your regular appointments with mental health professionals and support groups, can be beneficial. As it’s always useful to speak to others who’ve had similar experiences. So, sharing fears and concerns and learning how others have coped with their diagnosis can definitely provide a sense of comfort and hope.

Many research institutions offer resources and current research results about RVO, which can provide valuable information and potential new treatment options to those living with this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive with retinal vein occlusion?

Driving with retinal vein occlusion is permissible, provided the vision in the unaffected eye remains unimpaired by other ocular conditions and complies with established requirements for driving.

These criteria necessitate a visual acuity of no less than 20/40 in the better-seeing eye, irrespective of the use of corrective lenses, along with a minimum peripheral vision of 70 degrees within the horizontal meridian.

What is the prognosis for retinal vein occlusion?

living with retinal vein occlusion treatment armadale

living with retinal vein occlusion treatment armadale

The prognosis for retinal vein occlusion is contingent upon its severity. Clinical observations suggest that roughly one-third of patients manifest improvement without intervention, another third remain stable, and the final third experience a decline.

In scenarios where central retinal vein occlusion remains non-ischemic, it is estimated that approximately 50% of patients have the potential to revert to their baseline vision or achieve near-baseline acuity. It is noteworthy that chronic macular edema predominantly accounts for the diminished vision observed in such cases.

Can you recover from retinal vein occlusion?

In mild cases of retinal vein occlusion, some people may recover without treatment, but in severe cases recovery is unlikely due to the development of irreversible scarring. Only 10-20% of cases with severe occlusion may recover some vision.

In conclusion, while retinal vein occlusion can significantly impact a person’s life, it is not a journey one must walk alone. From treatments to managing daily life, a plethora of resources are available to help navigate the path, offering a beacon of hope for a bright future.

Sources

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14206-retinal-vein-occlusion-rvo#:~:text=There’s%20currently%20no%20way%20to,Steroid%20injections.

What Is Retinal Vein Occlusion?

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/retinal-vein-occlusion

Vision improvement is long-lasting with treatment for blinding blood vessel condition

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/vision-improvement-long-lasting-treatment-blinding-blood-vessel-condition

can retinal vein occlusion be cured armadale

Can Retinal Vein Occlusion Be Cured?

August 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Retinal Surgery /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

In the great, complex, and fascinating world of ocular health, one term you may need to familiarise yourself with is retinal vein occlusion. It’s a mouthful, but an understanding of this condition can be pivotal to preserving your precious eyesight. So, let’s dive right in and ask a critical question: can retinal vein occlusion be cured?

Understanding The Ocular Circulation

Imagine your central retinal artery working relentlessly, providing a constant supply of blood to the intricate architecture of the retina. This helps convert light into signals for your brain to interpret what you see. Another vessel completes the mission by draining blood out of your retina to remove any unwanted substances. When one of these blood vessels gets blocked, this condition is called retinal vein occlusion.

The Devastating Impact

Picture this: a retinal vein occlusion is like your vision getting caught in a sudden fog, or in severe instances, it’s as if the lights were turned off entirely in the affected eye. You can think of it as an ‘eye stroke.’ It’s akin to a heart attack or stroke, but the drama unfolds in your eye. The plot thickens when blood flow goes awry, often due to a mischievous blood clot in the retinal veins. This clot becomes the proverbial dam, causing fluid and blood to build up in the retina. This is the root cause of the vision issues you experience.

So, imagine the entire retina as a beautiful, detailed canvas painted with high-definition images. Now, visualise parts of it blurred or entirely missing. This is what you experience with retinal vein occlusions. It can affect the whole retina or a section, depending on whether it’s a central retinal vein occlusion CRVO or branch retinal vein occlusion.

Recognising the Risk Factors

Certain risk factors can increase your possibility of developing a retinal vein occlusion. High blood pressure is a key offender, along with other conditions that affect blood flow or promote clotting. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor can identify any abnormal blood vessels and other potential signs early, enabling earlier treatment and reducing the risk of permanent damage.

Can It Be Cured?

Now, to our most pressing question: can retinal vein occlusion be cured? The answer, unfortunately, is complex. Treatment focuses on managing the condition and its complications, such as macular edema (swelling in the retina happens due to fluid leaking from blood vessels) and neovascular glaucoma (new blood vessels growing on the eye’s drainage angle, causing pressure buildup).

To date, there’s no definitive cure for retinal vein occlusion, but the symptoms can be managed. Treatments include intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents to slow the growth of new blood vessels and reduce fluid buildup. Another treatment option is focal laser therapy to seal leaking retinal capillaries, thereby reducing retinal swelling.

In more serious cases, vitrectomy surgery may be performed, where the vitreous cavity of the eye is cleansed of blood, scar tissue, and abnormal blood vessels that may contribute to vision loss. Armadale Eye Clinic is, among many other institutions, working tirelessly to develop newer, more effective treatments.

Prevention and Management

While we’re yet to discover a full-fledged cure, remember, the best armour is always prevention. Think of it as regular maintenance checks for your eyes – keeping high blood pressure at bay and ensuring your blood sugar levels don’t go on a rollercoaster ride. Even if you’ve been diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion, these measures can act as your shield, protecting you from further vision loss.

Remember, every great journey begins with a single step. By getting to know about retinal vein occlusion and how it can meddle with your vision, you’ve already embarked on the path to preserving your eyesight. It’s akin to being the guardian of your own castle, standing vigilant to ensure your vision remains clear and sharp. Stay vigilant and proactive – your vision is worth it!

Diagnostic Procedures for Retinal Vein Occlusion

To diagnose retinal vein occlusion, several tests might be administered. The most common is a retinal examination, where an instrument called an ophthalmoscope is used to check the back of your eye. Another popular method is fluorescein angiography. During this check, a dye is injected into a vein in your arm, and then pictures of your retina are taken to see how well blood is circulating. In addition, optical coherence tomography may be utilised to get a high-definition image of your retina and check for any fluid buildup or abnormal blood vessels.

Implications of Retinal Vein Occlusion

Keep in mind, ignoring retinal vein occlusion isn’t an option. It’s like a small crack in a dam that can lead to a deluge of complications if unaddressed. One such trouble is macular oedema. Imagine a tiny puddle forming in your macula, the part of your retina acting like the sharpshooter of your vision. This puddle causes swelling and messes with your vision, causing it to blur or distort – much like looking through a rain-soaked window. Another sneaky issue that can creep up is neovascular glaucoma. Picture tiny, unwanted blood vessels growing in your eye, raising the pressure inside. If left unchecked, this can inflict serious damage to your optic nerve. So, proactive care is a must!

Let’s Talk About Treatment

Retinal vein occlusion may not have a definitive cure but don’t lose hope just yet. There are several approaches to handle its complications and stop your vision from deteriorating further. Like a bespoke suit tailored to your needs, your treatment will hinge on the specific type of retinal vein occlusion you have – be it branch or central. Interestingly enough, a handful of milder cases might resolve themselves over a significant period of time, requiring no medical intervention at all. So, despite the situation, there’s always a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Intravitreal injections – injection procedures in the eye – of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs help to reduce the growth of new blood vessels and decrease fluid in the retina. The aim here is to reduce macular oedema and improve vision.

Focal laser therapy is another option. Here, the goal is to seal off the leaking blood vessels, reducing swelling in the retina.

Laser Surgery – If the retina starts to form new blood vessels as a result of ischaemia, laser surgery can be utilised. The process involves employing a laser to make minuscule burns in the retina, which lowers its need for oxygen and decreases the stimulus for the growth of additional vessels.

Looking Ahead

While a retinal vein occlusion diagnosis can be daunting, remember that we live in an era of remarkable medical advancements. Many research institutions worldwide are working tirelessly to better understand the condition, discover new treatment methods, and strive towards a cure. With the right management, many patients can recover or maintain vision and continue to lead fulfilling lives.

In conclusion, retinal vein occlusion is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. That’s why regular eye check-ups are a must, especially for people with risk factors like high blood pressure and heart disease. So, living a healthy lifestyle, staying informed, and seeking early retinal vein occlusion treatment can help prevent severe loss of vision. Remember, your eyes are your window to the world, treat them with the care they deserve!

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14206-retinal-vein-occlusion-rvo#:~:text=There’s%20currently%20no%20way%20to,Steroid%20injections.

What Is Retinal Vein Occlusion?

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/retinal-vein-occlusion

Vision improvement is long-lasting with treatment for blinding blood vessel condition

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/vision-improvement-long-lasting-treatment-blinding-blood-vessel-condition