Retinal Vascular Occlusions

Retinal vascular occlusions are serious eye conditions caused by a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the retina. The retina is a crucial part of the eye that senses light and sends visual signals to the brain. When the blood supply to the retina is interrupted, it can lead to vision loss, either temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the blockage.

"At Mahajan Eye Centre, we provide expert care for patients with retinal vascular occlusions, offering the latest treatment options to restore vision and prevent further damage."

1. Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

Retinal vein occlusion occurs when the veins that carry blood away from the retina become blocked, leading to a buildup of fluid and blood. This can cause swelling (edema) in the retina, particularly in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.

There are two types of RVO:

  • Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): The main retinal vein is blocked.
  • Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): One of the smaller branches of the retinal vein is blocked.

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2. Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO)

Retinal artery occlusion is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the retina. This is often compared to a stroke in the eye, as it involves a sudden loss of blood flow.

There are two types of RAO:

  • Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO): The main artery supplying blood to the retina is blocked.
  • Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO): A smaller branch of the retinal artery is blocked.
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The primary cause of retinal vascular occlusion is the formation of a blood clot in the retinal blood vessels. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of this condition:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Smoking
  • Glaucoma

In some cases, retinal artery occlusion may be caused by an embolism (a blockage caused by a fragment of a blood clot or plaque from elsewhere in the body) or giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels.

The symptoms of retinal vascular occlusions vary depending on the type and severity of the occlusion. Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden, painless loss of vision (partial or complete)
  • Blurry or distorted vision.
  • Dark spots or floaters in your vision.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, as early treatment can improve the chances of preserving vision.

At Mahajan Eye Centre, we use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose and monitor retinal vascular occlusions:

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This imaging test provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing us to detect swelling or other abnormalities caused by blocked blood vessels.
  • Fluorescein Angiography: A dye is injected into your bloodstream, and a series of images are taken to visualize the blood flow through the retinal vessels. This helps identify the location and extent of the blockage.
  • Fundus Photography: High-resolution images of the retina allow us to monitor the progression of the occlusion and any related changes in retinal health.
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There is no cure for retinal vascular occlusion, but timely treatment can prevent further vision loss and, in some cases, improve vision.

Anti-VEGF Injections

For patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), anti-VEGF injections are the most effective treatment. These medications help reduce swelling in the retina and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.

Common Anti-VEGF Injections for AMD:(hyperlink to anti-vegf detail page)

  • Bevacizumab (Avastin)

    • Usage: Off-label use to treat retinal vein occlusion, due to its cost-effectiveness.
    • Cost: Most affordable anti-VEGF option.
    • Duration of Action: Injections are typically given every 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Ranibizumab (Accentrix)

    • Usage: Specifically developed for ocular use, effective in treating RVO-related macular edema.
    • Cost: More expensive than Avastin.
    • Duration of Action: Injections are given every 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Aflibercept (Eylea)

    • Usage: Blocks both VEGF and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), offering longer duration of action.
    • Cost: More expensive but may require fewer injections over time.
    • Duration of Action: Typically injected every 8 to 12 weeks after the initial phase.

Steroid Implants (Ozurdex)

For patients with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion, Ozurdex (dexamethasone implant) is a long-lasting steroid that helps reduce inflammation and fluid buildup in the retina.

  • Usage: Ozurdex is implanted into the eye, where it slowly releases medication over 3 to 6 months, reducing the need for frequent injections
  • Benefits: Long-lasting effect, especially for patients who respond well to steroid treatment.

Laser Treatments

Laser photocoagulation may be used to treat complications of retinal vascular occlusions, such as macular edema or the formation of abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization).

  • Usage: The laser is used to seal leaking blood vessels and reduce swelling in the retina, helping to stabilize vision.

At Mahajan Eye Centre, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options for patients with retinal vascular occlusions. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care to help preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.

Our services include:

  • Zeiss Cirrus OCT for detailed imaging of the retina.
  • Fluorescein Angiography for accurate diagnosis of blood vessel blockages.
  • Anti-VEGF injections, steroid implants, and laser treatments for retinal vein occlusion.
  • Advanced care for retinal artery occlusion, including ocular massage and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Why Mahajan Eye Centre?

Expertise and Experience

Our experienced surgeons have been managing RVO cases for decades, ensuring high success rates and patient satisfaction.

Advanced Technology

Our investment in latest technology (OCT, FFA, Retinal Laser, Vitrectomy etc.) enables us to provide safer, precise, and efficient treatment and surgeries.

Personalized Care

We customize every aspect of your RVO management, from diagnostic tests to selecting the treatment that best suits your condition and vision needs.

Comprehensive Post-Op Care

Our team will guide you through a smooth recovery process, ensuring that any post-surgery issues are promptly addressed as needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Retinal vascular occlusion is a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the retina. It can affect either the arteries (retinal artery occlusion) or the veins (retinal vein occlusion), leading to vision problems and potential vision loss.
There are two main types:\n- Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): Includes central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), where blood flow out of the retina is blocked.\n- Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO): Includes central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), where blood flow into the retina is obstructed.
Common causes include:\n- High blood pressure\n- Diabetes\n- High cholesterol\n- Glaucoma\n- Smoking\n- Cardiovascular disease\nIn the case of retinal artery occlusion, it may also be caused by an embolism or giant cell arteritis.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of occlusion but may include:\n- Sudden, painless vision loss (partial or complete)\n- Blurry or distorted vision\n- Dark spots or floaters in your vision\n- A shadow or curtain-like effect across your visual field\n\nIf you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:\n- Dilated Eye Exam: To examine the retina and blood vessels.\n- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina.\n- Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): Identifies blockages and leakage in the retinal blood vessels.\n- B-Scan Ultrasound: Used if the retina cannot be visualized due to hemorrhage or other issues.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the occlusion and may include:\n- Anti-VEGF Injections: Medications like Avastin, Eylea, or Accentrix reduce swelling and prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.\n- Steroid Implants: Such as Ozurdex, to reduce macular edema.\n- Laser Photocoagulation: Seals leaking blood vessels and prevents further damage.\n- Blood Thinners: For cases involving clots or emboli.\n- Surgical Intervention: May be required in complex cases.
While there is no cure for retinal vascular occlusion, timely treatment can often preserve vision and prevent further damage. The outcome depends on the severity of the blockage and how quickly treatment is initiated.
In some cases, retinal vascular occlusion can lead to permanent vision loss, especially if treatment is delayed or if the blockage is severe. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for the best outcomes.
Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.\n- Quit smoking.\n- Maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular exercise.\n- Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.\n- Regularly monitor your eye health, especially if you have risk factors.
Yes, retinal vascular occlusion can affect one or both eyes, though it is more common in one eye initially. Patients with underlying systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure are at higher risk for bilateral involvement.
In many cases, repeated anti-VEGF injections or laser treatments are required to manage the condition and control macular edema. The frequency of treatments depends on the response to therapy and the severity of the condition.
If a gas bubble was used during treatment for complications like retinal detachment, flying or traveling to high altitudes should be avoided until the bubble dissolves. Otherwise, travel is generally safe after consultation with your doctor.
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