What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)? A central retinal vein obstruction (CRVO) is a medical condition where there is a blocking of the blood flow to retina. Blockage of the central retinal artery can cause blurred or sudden vision loss. There are two types of CRVOs.
* Non-ischemic CVO: This type is not associated with an ischemic condition. There is no retinal damage and the blood flow is only partially blocked.
* Ischemic CVO: This is a more severe CRVO with a reduced blood flow to retina. This can cause irreversible retinal damage and more severe vision loss.
Most commonly, CRVO results from a combination of hypertension and diabetes. High blood cholesterol is also a common cause. These conditions may damage the blood vessels in the eye. This condition is common among people who are over 65 or have a history of cardiovascular disease.
What causes central retinal vein occlusion?
A combination of factors can cause central retinal vein obstruction. These include:
* Blood Clotting Disorders: Conditions like thrombophilia, which increases the risk of blood clots, can increase CRVO.
* Hypertension: Hypertension can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of CRVO.
* Diabetes: High blood glucose can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of CRVO.
* High cholesterol levels: A plaque buildup in the blood vessels can increase cholesterol levels and thus increase the risk of CRVO.
* Glaucoma - People with glaucoma, a condition in which pressure builds up inside the eyeballs, may be more susceptible to developing CRVO.
* Age: The risk of CRVO increasing with age.
It may be impossible to pinpoint the exact causes of CRVO. However, there are a variety of factors that can damage blood vessels or increase the risk of blockages and obstructions in the central retinal vessels.
What are the symptoms Central Retinal Vein Occlusion ?
Symptoms of central retinal vessels occlusion can be affected by the severity of the damage to the retina. Here are some of the most common symptoms of CRVO.
One eye suffers from sudden, painless loss of vision
* Vision blurred, distorted or distorted
Perimeter Vision Impairment
It's difficult to differentiate colors
* You might see dark spots and floaters in your field of vision.
* Eye discomfort or pain
The symptoms of CRVO may appear abruptly or slowly, depending on how severe the damage is to the retina. If you experience any of these symptoms, see an eye doctor immediately to prevent further damage to the retina and reduce your risk of vision loss.
What treatment is available for Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)?
The severity of the retinal damage will determine the treatment for central retinal venous obstruction (CRVO). The blockage may resolve on its own, but in other cases it will require treatment to avoid further retinal damage and reduce the risk of vision loss. CRVO can be treated in several ways:
Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of further retinal damage by managing conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The treatment chosen will depend on the individual needs of each patient. To prevent further damage to your retina and keep your eyesight clear, it is important to see an eye doctor immediately to evaluate your retina.
