Retinal Vein Occlusion

The main types of RVO:  

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)

BRVO occurs when one or more branches of the central retinal vein are blocked. This affects a smaller area of the retina compared to CRVO. However, it can cause swelling in the macula and affect central vision. Vision loss in BRVO is usually not as severe as in CRVO.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

In CRVO, the main central retinal vein, which drains blood from the entire retina, becomes blocked. This leads to poor blood flow throughout the retina and can cause severe vision loss.

The type of retinal vein occlusion determines the extent of visual impairment and the appropriate retinal disease treatment options. It is important to consult with a retina eye specialist for a proper diagnosis and management of the condition.

RVO can affect both men and women, typically occurring in individuals above the age of 60. However, there are several underlying conditions and lifestyle factors that can contribute to its development including: 

• Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and cholesterol
• Being overweight, poor diet, and exercise
• Smoking
• Stress
• Diabetes
• Blood clotting disorders

RVO is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluations and specialised tests including: 

Dilated eye examination

This involves using eye drops to enlarge your pupils and allows the eye specialist to thoroughly examine the retina at the back of your eye.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and OCT Angiography

A non-invasive imaging scan that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and aids in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular eye disease.

Fluorescein Angiography  

A diagnostic procedure used to examine the blood flow in the retina. It involves injecting a special dye called Fluorescein into a vein in your arm, then taking a series of photographs as the dye circulates through the blood vessels in the retina. This helps to evaluate the blood flow and detect any blockages or abnormalities in the retinal circulation.

Systemic Examination

Since RVO can be associated with underlying systemic conditions, a complete systemic evaluation is important. This may involve assessing blood pressure, examining the carotid arteries (using imaging techniques such as ultrasound), and evaluating the patient’s medical history for risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, or cardiac disorders. All the cardiovascular risk factors must be optimised with the help of your GP.