Retinal Vein Occlusions occur when the vessels that take away the normal blood flow from the eye are blocked. This blockage leads to damage to the blood vessels, bleeding in the retina (the thin layer of light sensing cells in the back of your eye) and leakage of fluid into the retina from the blocked vessels.

  • Central retinal vein occlusion: The main vein of the eye located in the optic nerve is blocked.
  • Branch retinal vein occlusion: A small branch or tributary of the main vein is blocked.

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What causes Retina Vein Occlusions?

  • Diseases such as Diabetes, Glaucoma, High Blood Pressure, Age-related blood vessel disease and Blood Clotting Disorders can all increase your risk of developing a Retinal Vein Occlusion.
  • If you have a retinal vein occlusion in one eye, there is a 10% chance that a branch or central vein occlusion can occur in the other eye in the future.

How are Retinal Vein Occlusions treated?

  • The complications of Retinal Vein Occlusions including macular edema (or leakage of fluid into the central vision area of the retina at the back of the eye) or abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) may require treatment with intraocular injections, laser surgery or in some cases, eye surgery.
  • Prevention of another Retinal Vein Occlusion includes working with your
    primary care physician to properly manage the health conditions (Diabetes, Glaucoma, High Blood Pressure) that can lead to these occlusions.

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