Retinal vein occlusion

Retinal veins carry blood out of the eye. When one becomes blocked, blood cannot drain: bleeding and fluid appear in the retina. If the main vein is affected (central occlusion), the whole retina suffers; if a branch is affected, only part of it.

THE BACK OF THE EYE

What the ophthalmologist sees

In a branch occlusion, the bleeding follows the area drained by the blocked vein.

1

Normal retina

The veins, darker and wider, drain blood towards the optic nerve.

2

Branch occlusion

Blood is trapped: haemorrhages, white spots and fluid appear in the retina.

What symptoms does it cause?

Blurred vision or a patch in your field of vision, in one eye, appearing suddenly or on waking, without pain. A small branch occlusion may go unnoticed.

Why does it happen?

It is more common after the age of 60 and is linked to cardiovascular risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking. Glaucoma and raised eye pressure also increase the risk. So, as well as treating the eye, a check-up with your family doctor or an internal medicine specialist is important.

How is it treated?

• The vein cannot be unblocked, but the complications can be treated.
• Macular oedema (swelling of the central retina): eye injections of anti-VEGF or corticosteroid medicines, repeated over months and guided by OCT.
• Abnormal vessels (neovascularisation): laser to the retina and injections, to prevent bleeding and neovascular glaucoma.
• Regular appointments in the first months, even if vision improves.

This information does not replace an individual medical assessment. Follow the advice of the team looking after you.