What is Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)?

It is considered one of the most important parts of the eye: the retina, a layer of cells that uses light to send visual information to the brain. Like other parts of the body, the retina is subject to problems. One such complication is when the flow of blood from the retina is blocked as a result of a clot in the retinal vein, a condition known as retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

At the office of Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis, our team of ophthalmologists is skilled at diagnosing and treating RVO, in addition to a wide range of eye conditions, with the goal of maintaining the best eyesight possible for each patient.

When a retinal vein is blocked, it cannot drain blood from the retina. This leads to hemorrhages and leakage of fluid from the blocked blood vessels. RVO is divided into two forms, depending on which retinal vein is blocked: central retinal vein occlusion is the blockage of the main retinal vein; branch retinal vein occlusion is the blockage of one of the smaller branch veins.

Both forms of RVO can affect the ability to see. The buildup of fluid near the center of the retina, and/or the formation of abnormal blood vessels that cause leakage or increased eye pressure can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

Symptoms of RVO range from subtle to severe, almost always affecting just one eye. There is blurring or loss of vision that gets worse over the next few hours or days. In some instances, there is a complete loss of vision almost immediately.

Treatments for RVO include the use of a class of drugs called intravitreal corticosteroid injections. They are administered directly into the eye and are used to counteract the inflammation and other effects caused by RVO-related complications. Return visits to an ophthalmologist are needed to monitor the effects of the injection and to formulate additional treatments as needed.

Committed to maintaining good eye health

At the office of Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate eye care. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.

By Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis

August 26, 2020