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Retinal Vein Occlusion |
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Retinal vein occlusion occurs when blood flow through a vein in the retina stops, impeding nourishment of the delicate retinal tissue. The blockage can occur in either the main vein of the retina (Central Retinal Vein Occlusion) or in a smaller branch vessel (Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion).
Hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, and disorders of blood coagulation increase the risk of retinal vein occlusion. If a retinal vein occlusion occurs in one eye, then there is a 10% chance of a similar problem occurring in the other eye.
What are the symptoms of retinal vein occlusion? Sometimes, the patient doesn’t notice any symptoms. In other cases, decreased or blurred vision occurs.
How is a retinal vein occlusion detected? An eye doctor can detect this condition with an eye examination. Sometimes fluorescein angiography or optical coherence tomography provide useful additional information.
Will my retinal vein occlusion get better? The prognosis for a retinal vein occlusion is difficult to predict. Roughly one-third worsen, one-third remain stable, and one-third improve over time. Retinal vein occlusion can cause macular edema or growth of fragile new blood vessels. Treatment is available to minimize the ill effects of macular edema and new blood vessel growth.
How is retinal vein occlusion treated? Often, no treatment is indicated other than periodic check-up visits. Sometimes, laser, intravitreal steroid, anti-VEGF therapy, vitrectomy, or glaucoma surgery recommended to stabilize vision.
More information? The National Institute of Health http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001028.htm |
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Retina Center Minnesota
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Contact Us Tel: (612) 871-2292 (800) 233-8504 Fax: (612) 871-0195 staff@retinadocs.com |