The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for converting the light into signals received from the lens of the eye. With the help of the optic nerves, these signals are then interpreted by the brain into images.
The nerve cells in the Retina need a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen for proper functioning. These are supplied to the retina through blood from arteries and veins. When a blood clot clogs the vein, it creates a blockage. This is known as Retinal Vein Occlusion.
Retinal vein occlusion can result in blurry vision and may sometimes even lead to sudden and permanent blindness in the eye. Consulting one of the best retina specialists in Vadodara at this stage is very crucial to prevent further complications.
Types of retinal vein occlusion
There are two types of retinal vein occlusion:
- Central Retinal Vein Occlusion – A blockage in one of the central veins of the retina
- Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion – A blockage in one of the branches of the retinal veins
Symptoms of Retinal Eye Occlusion
Retinal eye occlusion typically doesn’t display any symptoms till it reaches an advanced stage.
At this stage, patients may experience symptoms such as
- Blurry or distorted visions. This is caused due to the swelling (edema) on the centre part of the retina known as the macula.
- Grey-outs, black-outs or blur-outs of vision for 5 to 20 seconds are also part of retinal vein occlusion symptoms. These are known as transient visual obscuration.
- Redness, irritation, or pain in the eye can point out to a severe retinal vein occlusion and other resultant complications like glaucoma.
Reach out to the best retina specialist in Vadodara for timely treatment of these symptoms.
Treatments for retinal vein occlusion include
Focal Laser Therapy: A focused laser beam seals the veins and prevents them from leaking further and helps in reducing the swelling (edema).
Injections: Retinal vein occlusions include treatment through injections. These injections can be of two types –
- Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor – This injectable drug eases the swelling of the damaged vein.
- Steroids – Steroids help in preventing further swelling (edema) of the eye
Surgery: Surgery will be required when new blood vessels start growing in the eye due to the blockage. The surgery is usually non-invasive and is performed by laser technique.
Treatment for retinal vein occlusion depends on many factors and changes from patient to patient. What works for one patient may not be the best line of treatment for another. It is advisable to consult one of the best eye specialists in Vadodara to understand which treatment will prove beneficial for you.
How serious is retinal vein occlusion?
Retinal vein occlusion is a serious condition that needs immediate medical help and supervision by an eye & retina specialist. It occurs because of blood clots that clog the veins draining the blood from the retina. While these occlusions may result in blurry vision, they may also lead to an eye stroke causing permanent blindness.
If you experience similar symptoms do not delay in consulting an eye doctor in Vadodara.
Can retinal vein occlusion be cured?
Unfortunately, retinal vein occlusions cannot be reversed or cured. However, doctors can manage complications and stop the condition from deteriorating further.
What causes vein occlusions in the eye?
Arteries and veins carry blood from the heart to different parts of the body, including the eye, and back. The nerve cells in the retina require nutrients and oxygen to function properly. They get these nutrients and oxygen from the arteries. And send the blood back to the heart through the veins after extracting the necessary components.
If the artery or the vein gets blocked due to a blood clot, it restricts the blood flow and causes damage to the area that is blood deprived. This blockage, also known as occlusion, in veins is called vein occlusions of the eye.
FAQs
Is a retinal occlusion a stroke?
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a type of acute ischemic stroke that causes severe visual loss and is a risk factor for subsequent cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events.
Which vitamin deficiency can cause retinal vein occlusion?
This is to see if vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for the beginning of CRVO. The study’s hypothesis is that patients with CRVO have lower vitamin D levels than matched controls.
Can you drive with retinal vein occlusion?
The DVLA has minimal eyesight criteria for drivers. Their vision guidelines apply to both visual acuity and field of view. One eye is usually affected by retinal vein occlusion. You do not need to notify the DVLA if your unaffected eye’s vision reaches the required threshold.