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The arteries and veins of the retina They help to irrigate the blood in and out of the ocular structure. Retinal venous occlusion is a condition that occurs when the retinal vein becomes clogged and blocks blood circulation. 

Hypertension, diabetes y glaucoma are risk factors that make a person more likely to suffer from retinal venous occlusion. 

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain, below, what this alteration consists of and how to treat it. 

retinal venous occlusion

What is venous retinal occlusion? 

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue on which images passing through the retina are projected. crystalline. The retina has an artery and a vein that help to supply blood in and out of the eye structure. 

Retinal venous occlusion occurs when a blood clot obstructs the flow of fluid. This disorder is quite dangerous, as it generates the accumulation of blood in the taint and it can cause loss of central vision. 

Remember that the macula is a tiny yellow spot that is located in the center of the retina. This part of the fabric is responsible for central vision and the perception of details in images. 

Causes

Retinal vein occlusion is almost always caused by the formation of a blood clot. This occurs when the retinal arteries have thickened or hardened and are putting pressure on the retinal vein. 

There are several risk factors that make a person more likely to develop this complication. The most common are: 

  • Glaucoma
  • Mellitus diabetes. 
  • Arterial hypertension. 
  • Tobacco consumption.
  • Vascular diseases that facilitate the formation of thrombi.
  • Hypercoagulability.
  • Macular edema
  • Presence of new and abnormal blood vessels in the eye. 

Symptoms of retinal venous obstruction

The most characteristic symptom of a retinal vein occlusion is blurred vision. Sudden or progressive loss of vision may also occur. In most cases retinal vein occlusion is painless. 

When the obstruction affects the central vein of the retina, the loss of vision is severe and sudden. If the occlusion is partial, the loss of vision depends on the affected vein and its proximity to the macula.

Transmission

Retinal vein occlusion is a serious condition that must be seen immediately by a retina specialist to preserve vision. The most common treatments for a blocked retinal vein are: 

  • Ocular injections of antiangiogenic drugs: you can opt for this injection when the diagnosis is early. This treatment is performed monthly or annually depending on the medication injected and the number of injections required varies according to the patient's health status. 
  • Laser surgery: laser is applied to the retina to prevent the formation of abnormal capillaries and prevent an increase in blood pressure. 

How to prevent venous occlusion?

There is no way to prevent retinal venous occlusion. However, measures can be implemented to reduce risk factors for this disease, such as: 

  • Give up smoking. 
  • Maintain control and supervision of blood pressure levels. 
  • Reduce fat intake. 
  • Doing physical activity. 
  • Do regular cholesterol blood tests. 
  • To attend the ophthalmologist annually.
Summary
retinal vein occlusion
Article name
retinal vein occlusion
Description
Retinal vein occlusion is a disorder that affects people with glaucoma or macular edema.
Author
Name of the editor
Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Editor's logo
Synonyms:
Retinal venous obstruction, retinal venous blockage
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