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Retinal Vein Occlusion Causes

Retinal Vein Occlusion Causes: What You Need To Know ‌About RVO

October 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Retinal Surgery /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a serious but often overlooked eye condition that can cause vision loss with no pain or warning. Knowing the risk factors, prevention strategies and diagnosis methods for RVO are essential steps to take in order to protect your retinal veins from potential issues leading towards blindness. We will discuss these topics as well as possible treatments, so you stay informed about this silent threat!

Understanding Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a common retinal vascular disease, is the obstruction of veins in the retina and can result in vision loss. The two forms are branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVOs) and central ones (CRVOs). As Vascular endothelial growth factor forms abnormal blood vessels concerning CRVO-related issues, even damage to the optic nerve, which sends visual data from the eyes to the brain, may come into play.

Found at 5.20 cases per 1000 people living an affluent lifestyle, RVO often comes with subtle symptoms such as gradual non-painful blindness development alongside potential complications including macular oedema, vitreous haemorrhage, or neovascular glaucoma. Successfully diagnosing this condition requires comprehensive eye checkups combined with appropriate imaging tests specialised for Retina Vein Occlusion checking purposes only.

Causes Behind Retinal Vein Occlusions

The formation of a blood clot in the retinal vein causes RVO. Other elements can increase one’s risk for this condition, such as smoking, optic disc drusen, and oedema or having a hypercoagulable state. In relation to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), research has shown venous stasis, damage to endothelium cells, and hypercoagulation as key factors contributing to thrombosis in these veins.

Blood Clot Formation

When a blood vessel is damaged, the formation of a blood clot (which consists mainly of blood cells and other materials) serves as an effective way to prevent excessive bleeding. In RVO cases, these clots can form in retinal veins, leading to the pooling of fluid and haemorrhages.

Atherosclerosis, causing thickening or hardening in arteries around the retina, creates pressure on surrounding veins that then causes blockage by means of another clot. Disrupting healthy circulation results in possibly severe damage to the delicate tissue within this area.

Venous Stasis

Venous stasis is associated with a slowdown in the blood flow rate through veins, often connected to chronic venous insufficiency. As this lessened circulation can cause raised pressure levels within veins that may lead to their occlusion and even thrombosis (blood clot formation), it’s necessary for medical professionals to recognise and address its underlying causes so as to avoid RVO’s development or worsening. Symptoms indicating this state include leg swelling, skin inflammation, etc., all pointing towards bad effects on eye health if not dealt with timely.

Endothelial Damage

Damage to endothelial cells that line the interior of blood vessels can be attributed to inflammation, oxidative stress, and other cardiovascular risks. This harm can cause a clotting reaction, which reduces blood flow, potentially leading to RVO formation. Numerous risk factors are involved, such as coronary artery disease or hypertension.

Early detection of these issues could aid in preventing damage along with reducing future chances for this particular disorder. Keeping an eye on high blood pressure is especially important when attempting to ward off any vascular injuries caused by said risk factors.

Common Risk Factors for RVO

The risk of developing RVO rises with age and is linked to hypertension, diabetes, and the damage sustained by blood vessels. High blood pressure has been found to be a major contributory factor in causing harm to said vessels as well as increasing the likelihood of encountering RVO. Diabetes’s prolonged hyperglycemia can also contribute by inflicting microvascular damage on retinal arterioles, which may lead to experiencing this disorder.

Age and RVO

As individuals age, the risk for retinal vein occlusion (RVO) increases. People over 50 years of age are especially prone to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). To avoid this condition in later life, it is important that people receive regular eye examinations and look out for warning signs associated with RVO, like high blood pressure or diabetes. Healthy lifestyle habits also significantly reduce one’s chances of developing any form of retinal vein problems as they age.

High Blood Pressure

Individuals with high blood pressure must take measures to reduce their risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) since elevated hypertension can be detrimental to the health of their blood vessels. This condition may manifest when other existing risks, such as diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, are present in those who suffer from RVO. Thus, going regularly to a doctor and managing all factors accordingly should be done routinely so as not to deteriorate vision Through its associated venous blockage.

Diabetes and RVO

It has been suggested that diabetes may be linked to Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), though an exact connection is yet to be confirmed. Prolonged high blood sugar levels related to this condition can lead to microvascular damage, including in the retinal arterioles, which could cause RVO.

Educating diabetic patients about the potential of developing RVO and implementing preventative practices are key considerations for minimising risk. Working together with a patient’s care team and managing any other associated risks through regulating glucose concentrations should greatly reduce their chances of suffering from vein occlusion on the retina.

Preventing Retinal Vein Occlusion

It is important to manage its associated factors to reduce the risk of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Strategies such as controlling diabetes, taking blood thinners like aspirin, and avoiding smoking can all assist in preventing RVO.

Regular doctor visits are also essential for managing high blood pressure and lipid concentrations to decrease the likelihood of developing this condition further. Working closely with a diabetic care team helps maintain regulated sugar levels that could lead to reduced risks of experiencing an occlusion within the veins around one’s retina.

Diagnosing Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) can be identified through a thorough dilated eye exam conducted by an ophthalmologist. This includes pupil dilation and inspection of the eyes for signs of RVO. Imaging tests such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography or fluorescein angiography may also be carried out to detect any evidence of retinal veins affected by this condition. Treatment plans are formulated in collaboration between the patient’s primary physician and specialists who specialise in RVO diagnosis so that appropriate care is provided to address it properly.

Treatment Options for RVO

When a Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) affects the macula, resulting in vision deterioration due to swelling, anti-VEGF injections may be recommended as treatment. This type of therapy can help reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and oedema on the retina, potentially restoring sight or preventing damage from happening. Depending on the severity of conditions related to vein occlusions, such as RVO, laser treatments or even surgery might become necessary.

Coping with Vision Loss from RVO

Dealing with the consequences of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) can be a difficult experience, but helpful tactics are available for managing changes to daily routines. People impacted by RVO may particularly struggle with judging distances and ascending stairs due to reduced depth perception abilities.

In order to accommodate such alterations in vision, one should utilise aids like magnifiers or telescopes that help enhance their ability to read objects at various lengths away from them. Likewise, practising exercises involving estimating space between items or determining stair heights is also beneficial.

Aside from employing visual aides and undertaking specific activities relating directly towards an improved interpretation of distance – professional assistance obtained through meeting Vision Rehabilitation Specialists will significantly facilitate individuals living with RVO to cope more effectively with sight impairments they are encountering, as well as Guarantee independence when it comes down navigating home life again on a day-to-day basis.

Support networks among medical providers combined with aid groups prove valuable, allowing affected people to exchange stories and experiences while also providing emotional backup needed during the transition process, obtaining closure upon what’s happened to said person’s level eyesight capabilities post Retinal Vein Occlusion diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of retinal artery occlusion?

Retinal artery occlusion is usually brought on by an embolism, typically coming from a thrombus formed within the carotid arteries. This thrombus is a result of cholesterol accumulation, which subsequently traps red blood cells, platelet-fibrin combinations, and calcium particles. In some cases, up to 70% can be linked directly back to atherosclerosis in the ipsilateral carotid artery of that side as well.

How serious is retinal vein occlusion?

Retinal vein occlusion is an incredibly serious condition that could cause a range of detrimental consequences, such as retinal capillary damage and potential vision loss if left untreated. These outcomes include swelling, bleeding, and even blindness or complete eye loss in extreme cases. Another possible consequence of neglecting this issue is macular edema, where visual acuity deteriorates rapidly.

Can stress cause retinal vein occlusion?

Chronic stress can increase the likelihood of developing retinal vein occlusion, a dangerous condition that involves blockages in the veins around the retina. Vein occlusions affect blood flow to this essential part of the eye, specifically the retina. This can result in serious complications, including vision loss, if not addressed promptly and effectively. Therefore, understanding the causes and symptoms of retinal vein occlusion is crucial for early detection and treatment.

What are the most common risk factors for RVO?

Risk factors for RVO commonly include age, hypertension, and diabetes.

How is retinal vein occlusion diagnosed?

Through an eye examination as well as specialised retinal imaging scans like a dilated funduscopic checkup, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, or fluorescein angiography, RVO can typically be diagnosed.

Summary

Staying proactive and aware is essential to preventing vision loss caused by retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Routine eye exams are important for identifying any risk factors linked to this type of vein occlusion. By understanding what causes, diagnoses, treats, and prevents RVOs, you can take control of your ocular health. Don’t let this silent threat blindside you – staying vigilant about how we treat our eyes will safeguard against the occurrence of a Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO).

Sources:

Retinal Vein Occlusion

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007330.htm#:~:text=Causes&text=Retinal%20vein%20occlusion%20is%20most,formation%20of%20a%20blood%20clot.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

https://my.clevelandcliniArmadale Eye Clinic – retinal vein occlusion causesc.org/health/diseases/14206-retinal-vein-occlusion-rvo

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525985/

What Is Retinal Vein Occlusion?

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

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

how serious is retinal vein occlusion melbourne

How Serious is Retinal Vein Occlusion? Diagnosis and Treatment

May 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Retinal Surgery /by armadaleeye

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eyeball. Because it’s constantly working, it requires a rich network of blood vessels to bring nutrients and oxygen to its tissues as well as carry away metabolic waste material. A disruption to this blood flow can have consequences ranging from being entirely asymptomatic to a potentially serious threat involving permanent damage and vision loss, depending on the affected blood vessels.

Blood Vessels of the Retina

Freshly oxygenated blood is carried into the eye via the central retinal artery, which splits into smaller branch arteries and then even smaller retinal capillaries.

Once the blood has delivered its oxygen to the retina, the deoxygenated blood is removed from the eye via the network of retinal veins.

From branch retinal veins, blood flows into the main retinal vein, known as the central retinal vein, and eventually back to the heart and lungs.

A blocked vein can occur in either a branch retinal vein (branch retinal vein occlusion, BRVO) or the central retinal vein (central retinal vein occlusion, CRVO).

Depending on where the retinal vein occlusion occurs, you may notice a sudden and profound loss of your central vision or, alternatively, no discernable change to your vision at all.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusions

In most cases, a central retinal vein occlusion occurs when blood flow is blocked in the central retinal vein due to a blood clot. A central retinal vein occlusion can occur around the same point where the optic nerve enters the eye or even at a point outside of the eyeball after the central retinal vein has exited the eye. The presence of blood clots prevents blood from flowing out through the retinal vein and backs up blood circulation through the entire network of retinal blood vessels. This results in bleeding into the retina and deprives areas of the retina of fresh oxygen.

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusions

Branch retinal vein occlusions are up to seven times more frequent compared to central retinal vein occlusions. Like a central retinal vein occlusion, a branch retinal vein occlusion is due to a blood clot resulting in poor blood flow through that particular retinal vein, resulting in haemorrhaging and poor oxygen supply. Most instances of a branch retinal vein occlusion occur at the point where the retinal vein crosses with a retinal artery.

How Is Vision Affected During a Retinal Vein Occlusion?

The main threat to the vision from a retinal vein occlusion, whether central or branch vein, is swelling of the macula, known as macular oedema, or the formation of abnormal blood vessels due to low oxygen in the retina. Vision loss from a retinal vascular occlusion is not associated with eye pain or discomfort. Instead, you’re more likely to experience a sudden painless blurring of your central vision. A retinal vascular occlusion does not result in complete blindness even in the event of macular oedema, as there will be other parts of your vision that remain intact.

Macular oedema is the most common cause of vision loss following retinal vessel occlusion. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for central vision, which is why damage and swelling of this area are significant. Macular oedema can lead to permanent central vision loss, even despite immediate or urgent treatment. Instances of macular oedema can develop even months after the original retinal vein occlusion event.

Retinal ischaemia refers to a lack of oxygen. The retina responds by creating new blood vessels, which are fragile and leaky. This, in turn, can contribute to macular oedema and result in poor vision. If these abnormal blood vessels form around the iris and fluid drainage channels of the eye, elevated eye pressure and a type of vision-threatening eye disease called neovascular glaucoma can become a risk.

The majority of retinal vein occlusions occur in just one eye. However, the risk of developing a retinal vein occlusion in the other eye will be elevated over subsequent years.

Risk Factors for Retinal Vein Occlusion

The reasons why some people develop blood clots in a retinal vein are not fully understood, though several risk factors for retinal vein occlusions have been identified. Having any of the risk factors doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to have a retinal vascular occlusion, while not having any risk factors doesn’t mean you’re immune from it.

Risk factors for a retinal vein occlusion can include:

High blood pressure
Systemic conditions that affect blood flow, such as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), blood clots elsewhere in the body, and heart disease
Smoking
High cholesterol
Older age
Diabetes

Diagnosis of a Retinal Vein Occlusion

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists are able to diagnose a retinal vein occlusion, though only ophthalmologists (eye doctors) are qualified to treat it.

Your eye care professional will be able to diagnose a retinal vein occlusion by viewing the retina. This may require a dilated eye exam with the instillation of eye drops that widen the pupil for a better view. Retinal imaging with a specialised camera can also be useful for visualising the retina and any areas of retinal vascular occlusion and haemorrhaging.

Other imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), are often used, especially for macular edema. This gives a better view of the macula and can be used to monitor the degree of swelling.

Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will also monitor your visual acuity, which is typically measured by reading black letters of decreasing size against a white chart. Other relevant tests can include checking for abnormal blood vessels in the drainage structure of the eye and measuring eye pressure.

How is Retinal Vein Occlusion Treated?

Treatment for macular oedema is with eye injections of a drug known as anti-VEGF therapy. This treatment will usually require monthly injections for at least a few months until the swelling has resolved. This medication can also be used for treating abnormal new blood vessels, reducing your risk of neovascular glaucoma.

In some cases, laser therapy can also be useful for sealing off the leakage from these new blood vessels.

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

References

Retinal Vein Occlusion.
https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/retinal-vein-occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion.
https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/about-macular-disease/other-macular-conditions/retinal-vein-occlusion/