November 2023 - Armadale Eye Clinic

crao vs crvo melbourne

CRAO vs CRVO: Unravelling the Intricacies of Retinal Occlusions

November 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Retinal Surgery /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

The world of ophthalmology is both intriguing and complex. Among the various conditions that can threaten our vision, retinal occlusions stand out as particularly daunting. Within this category, Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) are two major culprits. Understanding the “CRAO vs CRVO” distinction is paramount for clinicians and patients. This blog aims to delineate the intricacies of these conditions.

Introduction to Retinal Occlusions

– Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO): This occurs when there’s a blockage in the retinal artery. There are two types: Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO), where the main artery is blocked, and Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO), where a branch of the retinal artery is affected.

– Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): This transpires when there’s an obstruction in the retinal vein. It can be a Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), where the main vein is blocked, or a Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO), where a branch of the retinal vein is obstructed.

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

– CRAO:

– Sudden vision loss, often described as a “curtain coming down.”

– The affected eye may have poor central vision.

– Blurred vision or sudden onset of blindness.

– CRVO:

– Vision loss, but can vary from slight to severe.

– Blurred vision due to macular edema.

– Retinal hemorrhages are a common sign.

Risk Factors and Causes

Understanding the risk factors and causes of retinal occlusions is paramount, as this knowledge can inform prevention strategies and early intervention. Both CRAO and CRVO, while similar in their effect on vision, have slightly differing risk profiles. Let’s delve deeper into the underlying causes and common risk factors associated with each condition.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) Risk Factors and Causes

Cardiovascular Disease: A leading contributor, cardiovascular diseases can cause blood clots or plaques that may travel to the eye and block the central retinal artery.
Giant Cell Arteritis: This inflammatory condition can cause swelling of the arteries, including the central retinal artery, leading to occlusion.
High Blood Pressure: Persistently high blood pressure can have harmful effects on blood vessels, including those within the eye.
Diabetes: The disease can result in a range of vascular complications, including conditions that make a person more susceptible to retinal artery occlusions.
Hypercoagulable States: Conditions that make the blood more prone to clotting can lead to obstructions in the retinal arteries.
Valvular Heart Disease: People with certain heart valve diseases might be at an increased risk due to the potential for clot formation.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) Risk Factors and Causes

Age: Older individuals, particularly those over the age of 65, are at an increased risk of developing CRVO.
Glaucoma: Elevated intraocular pressure can compress the central retinal vein, leading to occlusion.
Vascular Diseases: Conditions like hypertension or atherosclerosis can affect the health and integrity of blood vessels, making vein occlusion more likely.
Blood Disorders: Conditions such as polycythemia vera or sickle cell disease can predispose individuals to vein occlusions.
Inflammatory Conditions: Diseases like Behçet’s disease or sarcoidosis can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, including the central retinal vein.
Oral Contraceptives: Some studies suggest a correlation between the use of oral contraceptives and an increased risk of CRVO.

Shared Risk Factors

While the aforementioned factors lean more towards one condition than the other, several risk factors are shared between CRAO and CRVO:

Age: As one advances in age, the likelihood of developing vascular issues increases.
Smoking: This habit significantly exacerbates the risk of blood vessel issues and, consequently, occlusions.
High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to arterial plaques and impact the health of veins.
Obesity: Excessive weight is associated with a range of cardiovascular issues, which, in turn, can increase the risk of retinal occlusions.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function has been linked to a higher risk of both CRAO and CRVO.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing retinal occlusions accurately is essential for determining the best course of treatment. Both CRAO and CRVO have distinct clinical presentations, but they also share common diagnostic methods.

Diagnostic Methods for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

Fundoscopic Examination: The most basic diagnostic tool. Upon examination, the ophthalmologist may observe a pale retina with a distinctive cherry-red spot at the fovea.
Fluorescein Angiography: This involves injecting a dye into the bloodstream and then photographing the retina. In CRAO, there’ll be a delay or absence of arterial filling and slow venous return.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina. It can detect retinal thickening or thinning, which can be indicative of CRAO.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive Protein (CRP): If giant cell arteritis is suspected as an underlying cause, these blood tests can be used to confirm inflammation.
Carotid Ultrasound: To check for carotid artery stenosis or plaque, which could be a source of emboli leading to CRAO.
Echocardiography: Used to detect potential sources of emboli in the heart.

Diagnostic Methods for Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

Fundoscopic Examination: Characteristic findings include retinal haemorrhages, venous dilation, tortuosity, and possibly macular edema.
Fluorescein Angiography: Useful in differentiating between ischemic and non-ischemic types of CRVO by identifying areas of non-perfusion.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Particularly useful in detecting and quantifying macular oedema, a frequent complication of CRVO.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement: Elevated eye pressure can be both a risk factor for and a complication of CRVO.
Blood Tests: To check for associated systemic conditions like diabetes, hypercoagulable states, or hypertension.

Shared Diagnostic Methods

For both CRAO and CRVO, the following are generally recommended:

Visual Acuity Test: Measures the sharpness of vision. A sudden drop in visual acuity can be indicative of either condition.
Visual Field Testing: Helps in assessing the extent of vision loss and pinpointing areas of the visual field that are affected.
Tonometry: Measures the intraocular pressure. Elevated intraocular pressure can be a risk factor for CRVO and can also occur as a secondary complication in both conditions.

Treatment Modalities

The treatment for retinal occlusions depends on the type of occlusion (CRAO or CRVO), its cause, and the extent of the damage. Both conditions mandate prompt medical attention to optimise outcomes and minimise lasting vision impairment.

Treatment for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

Ocular Massage: An initial intervention where the doctor may perform a gentle massage on the affected eye. This might help dislodge the clot obstructing the retinal artery.
Lowering Intraocular Pressure: Medications like acetazolamide or mannitol can be administered to reduce eye pressure, which may help increase blood flow to the retina.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Breathing in oxygen under increased pressure can enhance the amount of oxygen reaching the retina, possibly helping in retinal recovery.
Anterior Chamber Paracentesis: A procedure in which a small amount of fluid is removed from the front part of the eye to rapidly decrease intraocular pressure.
Vasodilators: Drugs like nifedipine can help in dilating the blood vessels to improve blood flow.
Treatment for Underlying Causes: For instance, if giant cell arteritis is suspected, immediate high-dose corticosteroids are essential.
Preventative Measures: As CRAO can be a sign of cardiovascular disease, it’s crucial to address underlying cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.

Treatment for Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

Intravitreal Injections: Medications, particularly anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents or steroids, can be injected directly into the eye to reduce macular oedema and improve vision.
Laser Therapy: Focal laser treatment can help reduce macular oedema by sealing off leaking blood vessels. In cases with severe retinal ischemia, panretinal photocoagulation might be used to prevent or treat abnormal blood vessel growth and its complications.
Surgical Procedures: Procedures like vitrectomy can be employed, especially when there are vitreous haemorrhages.
Managing Underlying Conditions: Just as with CRAO, addressing systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension is pivotal.
Observation: In some cases of non-ischemic CRVO, observation with regular follow-ups might be recommended, as the condition can self-resolve or stabilise.

Shared Treatment Modalities

Both CRAO and CRVO share some common grounds in treatment:

Blood-thinning Medications: Medications like aspirin or warfarin may be prescribed to reduce the risk of future clots.
Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle by managing weight, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood sugar and blood pressure can be beneficial in both conditions.
Close Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with comprehensive eye exams are crucial for tracking the progression and making timely treatment decisions.

Outcomes and Prognosis

The prognostic implications of retinal occlusions, be it CRAO or CRVO, largely depend on the severity of the occlusion, its etiology, the timeliness of interventions, and associated complications. As both conditions involve critical blood vessels that nourish the retina, their impact on visual function can be substantial.

Outcomes for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

Visual Acuity: The sudden onset of vision loss in CRAO often results in poor visual outcomes. While some spontaneous improvement can occur within the first few days, permanent vision loss is common if not treated within the critical first hours.
Subsequent Risks: CRAO is frequently considered an “eye stroke,” and its occurrence could be an indicator of broader systemic health issues, notably cardiovascular disease. Patients with CRAO have an elevated risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and other vascular events.
Complications: Prolonged retinal ischemia due to CRAO can lead to complications like neovascular glaucoma, a severe form of glaucoma that can result in profound vision loss and pain.

Outcomes for Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

Ischemic vs. Non-Ischemic CRVO: The prognosis differs significantly between these two types. Non-ischemic CRVO generally has a better visual prognosis, with a chance of spontaneous improvement. However, it can sometimes transition into the ischemic variant. Ischemic CRVO is more severe, with a poorer visual outcome and a higher risk of complications.
Macular Edema: This is a common complication of CRVO and can be a persistent issue affecting vision. However, with treatments like anti-VEGF injections and laser therapy, many patients experience improvement.
Neovascularisation: Due to extensive retinal ischemia, new, abnormal blood vessels can grow on the retina or iris. These vessels can cause complications such as vitreous haemorrhage or neovascular glaucoma, which can further compromise vision.

General Prognostic Factors

Duration of Occlusion: The longer the retina is deprived of blood, the worse the visual outcome. Immediate treatment can sometimes help salvage vision.
Underlying Causes: Addressing and managing systemic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders, can influence outcomes.
Extent of Occlusion: Partial or branch occlusions generally have a better prognosis than complete or central occlusions.
Age and General Health: Younger patients and those without significant systemic health issues might have a slightly better prognosis.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

Given the potentially severe consequences of CRAO and CRVO, an emphasis on prevention and risk factor management is paramount. While not all cases are preventable, several strategies can be employed to reduce the risk of these conditions.

Manage Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Blood Pressure Control: Hypertension is a significant risk factor. Regular check-ups, adhering to prescribed medications, and lifestyle changes such as reduced salt intake can help in managing blood pressure levels.
Diabetes Management: Keeping blood sugar levels within the recommended range is crucial. Regular monitoring, medication adherence, and dietary modifications are vital aspects of diabetes care.
Lipid Profile Management: Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels can contribute to vascular diseases. Regular screenings and appropriate medical treatments, alongside a balanced diet, can be beneficial.
Smoking Cessation: Smoking is a known risk factor for numerous cardiovascular diseases. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of retinal occlusions and other vascular conditions.

Regular Eye Check-ups

Early Detection: Regular comprehensive eye exams can help in the early identification of changes in the retina, allowing for timely interventions and management.
Monitoring Retinal Veins and Arteries: Those with a history of minor retinal artery or vein occlusions should be closely monitored for potential progression or recurrence.

Lifestyle Measures

Diet: A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can contribute to vascular health and reduce the risk of clot formation.
Exercise: Regular physical activity promotes cardiovascular health, aiding in blood circulation and reducing the risk of clotting.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Medications and Therapies

Blood Thinners: For those at high risk, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications might be prescribed to prevent clot formation.
Regular Medication Reviews: Periodic reviews of one’s medication list with a doctor can help in identifying drugs that might increase the risk of clotting.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to vascular complications. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular relaxation can be useful.

Education and Awareness

Recognise Symptoms: Being aware of the symptoms of CRAO and CRVO can lead to quicker medical attention, potentially reducing the severity of outcomes.
Understand the Risks: Those with a family or personal history of vascular events or conditions like cardiac valvular disease need to be particularly vigilant.

Conclusion and Parting Thoughts

Understanding the nuances of “CRAO vs CRVO” is more than just grasping medical terminology. It’s about recognising the profound impact such conditions can have on a person’s life. Whether it’s the sudden vision loss from a CRAO or the gradual degradation from a CRVO, the effects are life-altering.

By being informed, one can take proactive measures – from regular comprehensive eye exams to addressing risk factors like high blood pressure. Additionally, should symptoms like sudden vision loss or blurred vision occur, understanding their potential severity can hasten medical treatment – a pivotal factor in outcomes.

Contact us at (03) 9070 5753 if you have any more questions or concerns about CRAO vs CRVO and how to stay vigilant about your vision health. We are here to help.

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

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14206-retinal-vein-occlusion-rvo
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/central-retinal-artery-occlusion#:~:text=Central%20retinal%20artery%20occlusion%20is%20the%20blockage%20of%20blood%20to,thicker%20and%20stickier%20than%20normal.

Retinal Vein Occlusion Risk Factors melbourne

Retinal Vein Occlusion Risk Factors: A Comprehensive Insight

November 20, 2023/0 Comments/in Retinal Surgery /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is among the most common retinal vascular diseases. It’s pivotal to understand its risk factors, both traditional and newly identified, as it can lead to severe vision loss. This comprehensive guide delves into the retinal vein occlusion risk factors, distinguishing between central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Differentiating Between RVO Types:

It’s vital to differentiate between the types of RVOs – CRVO, BRVO, and even hemi retinal vein occlusion. Each has its set of symptoms, implications, and treatment methods. For instance:

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) often manifests as sudden, painless vision loss. The central retinal artery and vein share a common adventitial sheath. Compression of the vein can lead to CRVO, especially if there are associated cardiovascular diseases.
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO), on the other hand, might present with visual field defects corresponding to the affected retinal quadrant. Hypertension is a major risk factor, and managing blood pressure is crucial to preventing BRVO.

Major Risk Factors for CRVO and BRVO:

The Interplay of Systemic Diseases:

Many systemic diseases have shown a connection to retinal vein occlusion. It’s not just limited to diabetes and high blood pressure. Diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and even conditions like myocardial infarction can increase the risk of RVO.

Vascular Cerebral Stroke: Studies have indicated a reciprocal relationship between RVO and stroke. Those who have suffered an RVO may be at a slightly increased risk of a vascular cerebral stroke and vice-versa.
Diabetes Mellitus: Beyond being a risk factor, the effects of diabetes on the retinal tissue make the eye more susceptible to complications once an RVO occurs. Diabetic retinopathy, another common retinal vascular disease, can coexist with RVO, making the visual prognosis more challenging.

Ocular Factors:

Certain eye-specific factors also play a crucial role in the development of RVO:

Glaucoma and Elevated Intraocular Pressure: Both these conditions can lead to changes in the retinal veins, making them more susceptible to occlusion. It’s essential to monitor intraocular pressure, especially in patients with existing RVO, to prevent any exacerbation.

Retinal Artery Occlusion: Just like the veins, the arteries can also become occluded, and the presence of a retinal artery occlusion can predispose an individual to a vein occlusion.

Optic Disc Issues: Morphological anomalies in the optic disc, such as swelling or drusen, can contribute to venous congestion, leading to vein occlusion.

Lesser-known Risk Factors
While the mainstream risk factors like diabetes and hypertension are widely discussed, there’s a myriad of lesser-known, yet equally vital, factors to be cognizant of:

Thrombophilic Risk Factors: Conditions that make the blood more likely to clot, such as Factor V Leiden mutation, can predispose an individual to RVO. Similarly, the presence of lupus anticoagulant can also elevate the risk.
Ocular Ischemic Syndrome: While it’s important to differentiate between retinal vein occlusion and ocular ischemic syndrome, the latter can sometimes be a precipitating factor. This syndrome, caused by carotid artery disease, can lead to poor retinal perfusion, predisposing the retina to vein occlusions.
Venous Stasis: Any condition that results in the sluggish flow of blood in the retinal veins can predispose to occlusion. This stasis can be secondary to other ocular conditions, including ocular hypertension.

The Natural History of RVO:

Understanding the natural history of RVO can provide both clinicians and patients with a clearer roadmap of what to expect:

Early Acute Phase: Characterised by sudden vision loss or defects, retinal haemorrhage, and sometimes macular edema. In this stage, swift intervention can often prevent further complications.
Chronic Phase: If untreated, RVO can lead to chronic changes, including retinal neovascularisation, vitreous haemorrhage, and sometimes even the growth of new blood vessels that can lead to further vision loss or complications like glaucoma.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: With timely intervention, many RVO patients can regain a significant portion of their lost vision. However, the journey often requires persistent medical treatment and regular monitoring.

The Consequences of Retinal Vein Occlusion:

Macular Edema: Chronic macular oedema and macular oedema secondary to RVO can severely compromise visual acuity.
Vision Loss: Initial visual acuity post-RVO is a crucial predictor of the visual outcome. In the early acute phase, poor vision is often reported, but treatments can help improve the visual prognosis.
Retinal Neovascularization: Ischemic CRVO can lead to new blood vessel growth in the retinal tissue, further complicating the condition.

A Deeper Look at Complications:

While understanding the risk factors of RVO is crucial, it’s equally important to be aware of the complications that might arise, both directly from the occlusion and indirectly from associated conditions:

Chronic Macular Oedema: This persistent swelling of the central portion of the retina can lead to irreversible vision loss. The development of macular oedema secondary to RVO can be particularly challenging to treat.
Ischemic CRVO: This more severe form of central retinal vein occlusion can lead to widespread retinal hypoxia, which in turn can lead to more aggressive retinal neovascularisation.
Vitreous Haemorrhage: As new blood vessels grow in response to retinal hypoxia, they are fragile and can bleed into the vitreous, obscuring vision and requiring surgical intervention.
Retinal Neovascularization: New blood vessel growth, or retinal neovascularisation, can lead to complications such as vitreous haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment.
Hemi Retinal Vein Occlusion: This is a subtype of RVO where one-half of the retinal vein system becomes occluded, leading to symptoms and complications similar to both CRVO and BRVO.

Psychological Impacts:

The sudden and often drastic vision loss associated with RVO can have profound psychological implications:

Mental Health: The sudden loss or reduction of vision can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and helplessness. It’s essential to address these issues alongside the physical symptoms of RVO.
Quality of Life: Vision loss can impact everyday activities, from reading and driving to recognising faces. This change can drastically affect an individual’s quality of life.
Rehabilitation and Support: Beyond medical treatment, patients with RVO can benefit from counselling, support groups, and visual rehabilitation services to adapt to their new visual status.

Delving Deeper into the Diagnosis of Retinal Vein Occlusion:

Understanding the diagnostic procedures for retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is essential for patients and their families to grasp the gravity of the condition, ensure timely intervention, and maximise the potential for positive outcomes. Let’s delve into the specifics:

The Diagnostic Process:

Comprehensive Eye Examination: This is the primary step in detecting RVO. The ophthalmologist will examine the retina using ophthalmoscopy, which involves shining a light through the pupil to inspect the back of the eye.
Fundus Photography: This non-invasive technique captures detailed images of the retina. These images can reveal signs of RVO, such as haemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and changes in the retinal veins.
Fluorescein Angiography: This test provides a detailed view of blood flow in the retinal vessels. A fluorescent dye is injected into a vein in the arm, and as it travels through the retinal vessels, photographs are taken. Blocked or leaky vessels, indicative of RVO, can be easily identified.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that captures cross-sectional images of the retina. It is particularly useful in detecting macular oedema, a common complication of RVO.
Visual Acuity Test: This test assesses how well a patient can see at various distances. Decreased visual acuity can be an indicator of RVO.
Visual Field Test: This test evaluates a patient’s peripheral vision, identifying any blind spots that could be caused by RVO.
Tonometry: Elevated intraocular pressure is one of the risk factors for RVO. Tonometry measures this pressure, aiding in both diagnosis and monitoring.
Blood Tests: While not directly diagnosing RVO, blood tests can detect conditions that elevate the risk of RVO, such as diabetes mellitus or high cholesterol.

Why Timely Diagnosis is Crucial:

Preventing Further Damage: Early detection can prevent further complications, including more severe vision loss or conditions like glaucoma.
Optimising Treatment Outcomes: Treatment for RVO, whether it’s injections, laser therapy, or surgery, tends to be more effective when started early.
Managing Associated Conditions: RVO can be a sign of underlying systemic issues like cardiovascular disease or diabetes. An RVO diagnosis can lead to the identification and management of these conditions.

Understanding the Results:

Once the diagnostic tests are complete, patients might have questions. Some common queries include:

What type of RVO do I have?

Depending on the affected vessel, the diagnosis could be CRVO (central retinal vein occlusion), BRVO (branch retinal vein occlusion), or even hemi-retinal vein occlusion.

How severe is my condition?

The extent of vision loss, the presence of complications like macular oedema, and the health of the retinal tissue will determine the severity.

What is the cause of my RVO?

While the exact cause might not always be evident, identifying risk factors and associated conditions can provide insights.

Evolving Treatment Modalities:

As the medical community deepens its understanding of RVO, treatment approaches are evolving:

Anti-VEGF Therapy: Given the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in promoting abnormal blood vessel growth in RVO, particularly in conditions like retinal neovascularisation, anti-VEGF therapies have emerged as an effective treatment. They target new blood vessels, reduce macular oedema, and improve visual acuity.
Laser Photocoagulation: This treatment is particularly effective for managing complications of RVO, like macular oedema and retinal neovascularisation.
Corticosteroid Implants: These are used to reduce inflammation and macular oedema, particularly in chronic cases.

Prevention Is Key:

For many, the aftermath of an RVO – the potential vision loss and the long treatment road – can be daunting. Hence, the best approach remains prevention:

Regular Screenings: Particularly for those with systemic risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, regular ophthalmic check-ups can lead to early detection and intervention.
Manage Underlying Conditions: Actively managing diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of developing RVO.
Educate and Advocate: Patients must be made aware of the importance of regular eye check-ups, the risks associated with systemic diseases, and the potential implications on ocular health.

Recognising and Mitigating the Risk:

Understanding these risk factors for central and branch RVO is the first step in proactive healthcare. By recognising the signs early and implementing preventive measures, one can reduce the likelihood of developing RVO or mitigate its impact.

Regular eye check-ups are essential, especially for those with underlying risk factors. The natural history of RVO suggests that pooled data from regular retinal and eye research can guide treatments and interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Retinal Vein Occlusion:

In our pursuit to understand RVO better, there are often many questions that arise. Here, we aim to address some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding retinal vein occlusion:

1. What exactly is Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)?

– RVO is a blockage of the small veins in the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision. It’s one of the most common retinal vascular diseases, causing symptoms such as blurred vision or vision loss.

2. What is the difference between CRVO and BRVO?

– CRVO (Central Retinal Vein Occlusion) involves the main central retinal vein, while BRVO (Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion) affects one of the smaller branch veins. CRVO often results in more severe vision loss compared to BRVO.

3. Can RVO cause permanent vision loss?

– Yes, if not detected and treated in time, RVO can cause irreversible vision loss due to complications like macular oedema and retinal neovascularisation.

4. What are the main risk factors for RVO?

– The major risk factors include age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and high intraocular pressure. Other risk factors might include conditions that increase blood clotting.

5. How is RVO diagnosed?

– RVO is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, including fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

6. Are there treatments available for RVO?

– Yes, treatments can include injections to reduce macular oedema, laser therapy to manage neovascularisation, and surgical interventions in advanced cases.

7. Can RVO be prevented?

– While not all cases are preventable, managing cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes can significantly reduce the risk. Regular eye check-ups can also lead to early detection and intervention.

8. Is RVO hereditary?

– While there’s no direct evidence to suggest RVO is hereditary, certain genetic conditions that increase blood clotting can elevate the risk.

9. How common is vision loss from RVO in younger patients?

– Though RVO is more common in older individuals, it can occur in younger patients, especially in the presence of certain risk factors. Vision loss can be significant if not managed promptly.

10. Is RVO related to other eye diseases like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy?

– While RVO is a distinct condition, elevated intraocular pressure (as seen in glaucoma) and changes in retinal blood vessels due to diabetes can increase the risk of RVO.

11. What is the long-term outlook for someone with RVO?

– The prognosis varies. With early detection and treatment, many individuals can maintain functional vision. However, complications can lead to significant vision loss if not addressed.

12. Can lifestyle changes help in managing RVO?

– Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can help manage and reduce the risk factors associated with RVO.

In Conclusion:

Retinal Vein Occlusion, though complex, becomes more understandable when we break it down and address the concerns many have about it. Through education and proactive measures, patients and caregivers can navigate the challenges of RVO with confidence and hope.

Remember, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or ophthalmologist about individual cases and concerns.

Reach out to us at (03) 9070 5753 to arrange a consultation with our expert team. Dive deeper into the risk factors of retinal vein occlusion and explore its treatment possibilities!

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

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14206-retinal-vein-occlusion-rvo
https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/959