Retinal vein occlusion

Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion (pronunciation: reh-tin-al vayn oh-kloo-zhun) is a medical condition that occurs when the vein that carries blood away from the retina becomes blocked.

Etymology

The term "retinal vein occlusion" is derived from the Latin "retina" meaning "net", and the Latin "occlusio" meaning "a shutting up".

Causes

Retinal vein occlusion is often caused by atherosclerosis where the arteries harden and cause a clot, or by conditions that increase the thickness of the blood or make it more likely to clot. Other causes can include diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma.

Symptoms

Symptoms of retinal vein occlusion can include a sudden blurring or loss of vision in all or part of one eye. It can also cause the perception of floating spots or floaters.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of retinal vein occlusion is typically made through a comprehensive eye examination. This can include a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and a fluorescein angiography.

Treatment

Treatment for retinal vein occlusion can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Treatments can include laser surgery, intraocular injection of medication, or vitrectomy.

Related Terms

• Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)
• Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)
• Ischemic retinal vein occlusion
• Nonischemic retinal vein occlusion

See Also

• Retina
• Vein
• Occlusion
• Eye examination
• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Glaucoma

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