Central Retinal Vein Occlusion and
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

A Retinal Vein Occlusion can occur in the Central Retinal Vein or in a Branch Retinal Vein.  Retinal Vein Occlusion occurs when the circulation of a retinal vein becomes blocked by an adjacent artery.  This blockage causes elevated venous pressure which damages the vein, leading to hemorrhages, swelling and ischemia (a lack of oxygen) in the Retina.  Retinal Vein Occlusion occurs equally in women and men and mostly after the age of 60, and especially on those patients with diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

The visual symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion can vary greatly in severity from one person to the next.  The symptoms are also quite dependent on whether it is a Central Retinal Vein or Branch Retinal Vein that has become occluded.  Typically, patients experience a sudden onset of blurred or a “missing area of vision” if a branch retinal vein is occluded or a severe loss of central vision if the central retinal vein has become occluded.  Some patients who have Retinal Vein Occlusion will also experience a type of Glaucoma as a secondary complication. 

Patients who experience a Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion often notice a gradual improvement in their vision as the hemorrhage resolves.  Unfortunately, visual recovery from a Central Retinal Vein Occlusion is much less likely since it is more likely to cause ischemia.

Diagnosis of Retinal Vein Occlusion

To diagnose a Retinal Vein Occlusion your pupil will be dilated so that Center for sight Retinal Specialist Robert Kelly, M.D. can directly observe the Retina using instruments including the Ophthalmoscope and Slit Lamp with a high magnification “fundus lens” so that fine detail can be examined.  It is usually necessary to have an Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram (IVF) to study the blood circulation in the Retina, as well as an Ocular Coherence Tomogram (OCT) to detect the presence and severity of Macular Edema, or swelling.

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Treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion

The main objectives of treating Retinal Vein Occlusions is to avoid and treat secondary complications.  If there are areas of the Retina that have been deprived of oxygen, “chemical signals” are released that can stimulate the formation of “new blood vessels” or “neovascularization.”  These new blood vessels are not “normal” in that they are extremely fragile and easily broken, resulting in hemorrhage and scarring of the Retina with resulting vision loss.  The new blood vessels may also cause a type of secondary Glaucoma, called Neovascular Glaucoma.  If you develop neovascularization, it will be necessary to use Laser Photocoagulation Treatment to stop the growth of these delicate blood vessels.

If you, a family member or a friend are at risk for Retinal Vascular Disease such as Retinal Artery Occlusion or Retinal Vein Occlusion, and are experiencing any of the symptoms of Retinal Vascular Disease, you should call either Center for Sight Fall River, Massachusetts at 508.677.0041 or Center for Sight Woonsocket, Rhode Island at 401.769.6323 and tell the receptionist that you need an immediate appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients in need of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of retinal vascular disease in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton, and Tiverton.

Retinal Vascular Disease

Retinal Vein Occulsion

Retinal Artery Occulsion