Retinal Vein Occlusion

Blockage of a vein draining the retina

Overview

Retinal vein occlusion occurs when the central retinal vein or one of its branches becomes blocked, so blood backs up and leaks into the retina, causing hemorrhages and swelling. It typically causes sudden or gradual painless blurring in one eye. It is one of the most common retinal vascular diseases after diabetic retinopathy, and its main associations are older age, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and glaucoma. Complications include macular edema and the growth of abnormal new vessels, which are commonly managed with anti VEGF injections or laser treatment.