Retinal Vein Occlusions

Systemic medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries, can increase your risk of a retinal vein occlusion. As such, retinal vein occlusions tend to be more common as you get older.

Other risk factors include:

• glaucoma
• autoimmune diseases (such as Bechet's Disease and sarcoidosis)
• obesity.

Whilst diagnosing a retinal vein occlusion is normally very easy on clinical examination, extra tests are required to determine its severity and to determine the most appropriate treatment. 

Most commonly, an OCT is performed to assess macular oedema (swelling). 

Fluorescein angiography is also an important test in retinal vein occlusions. This test is essential for determining how well (or poorly) the blood is flowing through the occlusion. This information is necessary for determining the best treatment, and the likelihood of further deterioration.

The treatment depends on how the vein occlusion has damaged the retina. If there is no threat to your vision, then no treatment may be required.

However, if your vision has deteriorated, or if there is significant risk that it may deteriorate in the future, then some form of treatment is likely to be required.

The 2 most commonly used treatments include intravitreal injections and retinal laser.

If there is significant macular oedema (swelling), then injections into the eye have been shown to be the most effective way of improving and stabilising vision. If there are areas of very poor blood flow, then retinal laser may be indicated. Occasionally a combination of laser and injections are required. 

Dr Johnson will discuss the most appropriate treatment in your case.

For more information about intravitreal injections, please click here.

For more information about retinal laser, please click here.