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RETINAL VEIN SYMPTOMS
Retinal Vein Occlusion Symptoms
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) symptoms occur when there is a problem with retinal blood circulation. Like any other part of the body, arteries and veins supply the eye. Clots forming in the blood vessels can block the retinal circulation. When this happens in the Retinal Veins the problem is called a Retinal Vein Occlusion.
When a Retinal Vein Occlusion happens patients may experience:
- A sudden, painless drop in vision.
- Bleeding may occur into the retina.
- A swelling of the retina.
A Retinal Vein Occlusion can either affect the large blood vessels and affect the whole of the eye, called a Central Retinal Vein occlusion; or may only affect one patch of the retina, called a Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion.
Central Occlusions often cause quite profound vision loss but Branch Occlusions are less dramatic and may sometimes only affect a part of the field of vision.
Retinal Vein Occlusion – Who’s At Risk?
Anyone can be affected but your risk is higher if you:
- Have high blood pressure. Controlling your blood pressure could be the way to avoid a second Retinal Vein Occlusion if you have had one already.
- Smoke. Smoking hardens the arteries and the more a person smokes the more damage will be done. Smoking is also a contributor to other eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Have high cholesterol levels in your blood. Eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats and high in fruit and vegetables is recommended. Being obese increases your risk of getting an Retinal Vein Occlusion 4 times.
- Have existing eye conditions or diabetes. If you have Glaucoma or Diabetes your risk for getting an Retinal Vein Occlusion is increased.
- Suffer from sleep apnoea. This may also increase the risk of getting Retinal Vein Occlusion.