At the Retina Institute of Illinois, our specialized team provides comprehensive care for patients experiencing retinal vein occlusions. With our expert approach to retinal care, we help patients preserve their vision and maintain their quality of life following this serious eye condition.
A retinal vein occlusion happens when blood flow through a vein in the retina becomes blocked. This interrupts normal circulation and potentially threatens vision.
The retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, relies on a network of blood vessels to function properly. These vessels include both arteries, which deliver oxygen-rich blood to the retina, and veins, which carry away blood after it has circulated through the retinal tissues.
When a blockage develops in one of these veins, it creates a cascade of problems that can significantly impact your vision if not addressed quickly by retinal specialists. The blockage may occur due to a blood clot forming within the vein itself, or when a nearby artery hardens and compresses the vein where they cross.
This interruption of normal blood flow causes pressure to build in the small blood vessels upstream from the blockage. Eventually, these tiny vessels may leak fluid or blood into the retinal tissue.
When this leakage affects the macula, which is the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed central vision, it causes macular edema (swelling), which can significantly impair vision.
There are two distinct types of retinal vein occlusions that our expert physicians at the Retina Institute of Illinois diagnose and treat. Both types of retinal vein occlusions require quick attention to minimize vision loss and prevent complications. Without proper care, these conditions can lead to permanent vision loss.
This occurs when the main vein that removes blood from your retina becomes blocked. CRVO affects the entire retina and typically causes more widespread vision loss.
The blockage occurs at the optic nerve, where the central retinal vein exits the eye, impacting circulation throughout the entire retina. This type is often more severe and can lead to complications, including macular edema, if not properly managed.
This happens when smaller branches of the retinal vein become blocked. BRVO affects only the portion of the retina drained by the blocked branch, often resulting in partial vision loss in the affected eye.
This type typically occurs at points where retinal arteries cross over retinal veins, with the artery compressing the vein beneath it. BRVO is more common than CRVO.
Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for preserving vision when a retinal vein occlusion occurs. Being aware of the warning signs allows patients to seek care at the earliest possible stage of the condition.
The most common symptoms include:
This can range from mild blurring to severe loss of vision, depending on the type and severity of the occlusion. Central retinal vein occlusions typically cause more significant vision loss than branch occlusions. When the central macula is affected, central vision, which is used for reading, recognizing faces, and other detailed tasks, becomes impaired.
Objects may appear wavy or out of focus in the affected eye. This distortion, sometimes called metamorphopsia, occurs when fluid accumulates in or beneath the macula, causing the normally flat, smooth retinal tissue to become irregular. Patients often notice this when straight lines appear bent or wavy.
These may appear as spots or cobweb-like shapes moving across your field of vision. Unlike the occasional floaters many people experience, those associated with retinal vein occlusions tend to be more numerous and dense.
Some patients report seeing brief flashes of light in their affected eye. These flashes typically last only a second or two and may appear as lightning streaks or camera-like flashes.
The affected eye may perceive colors differently than the unaffected eye. Colors may appear less vibrant or have a washed-out quality.
These symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over hours or days. In some cases, particularly with branch retinal vein occlusions affecting areas outside the macula, patients may have no noticeable symptoms, and the condition may only be detected during a routine eye examination.
Any sudden change in vision, particularly painless vision loss, should be considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Simultaneous retinal vein occlusions affecting both eyes at exactly the same time are extremely rare. However, patients who have experienced a retinal vein occlusion in one eye are at increased risk for developing one in the other eye over time.
This risk is particularly elevated in patients with uncontrolled systemic risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes. For patients who have experienced a retinal vein occlusion in one eye, monitoring of the eye becomes an essential part of their ongoing care.
Regular comprehensive eye examinations can detect early signs of changes before they progress to a full occlusion. Also, aggressive management of underlying risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of the second eye becoming affected.
Don't wait when it comes to your vision. If you're experiencing sudden vision changes, blurred vision, floaters, or any symptoms that concern you, the expert team at the Retina Institute of Illinois is here to help. Schedule an appointment today!
