Whether you are a referring doctor or a patient, keep reading to learn more about retinal vein occlusion and why your premier choice for effective treatment is Lehigh Eye Specialists.
The front of the eye contains a lens that focuses images on the inside of the back of the eye, known as the retina. The retina consists of special nerve cells which convert light into signals. These signals are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. Here, they are recognized as images.
Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Veins carry blood from other parts of the body back to the heart. A blockage in either a vein or artery is known as an occlusion. When blood flow from the retina becomes blocked, it is commonly a result of a blood clot in the retinal vein. A blockage in a smaller vein is called a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) while a blockage in the retina’s main vein is called a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
The common risk factors for BRVO are:
Specific causes of CRVO are still unknown, although diabetes and high blood pressure are risk factors.
Symptoms of a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) include blurry vision or loss of vision in part or all of one eye. These symptoms can come on suddenly or over the course of hours or days. This change in vision is usually painless.
Symptoms of a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) are similar to those of a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). In severe cases, you may experience pain and pressure in the affected eye.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye care provider who can evaluate the health of your eye. If they suspect a retinal vein occlusion (RVO), they may refer you to Lehigh Eye Specialists where you will receive the best care from highly specialized providers.
Diagnosis & TreatmentIn Allentown, PA, your premier choice for diagnosis and effective treatment for retinal vein occlusion is Lehigh Eye Specialists. Common methods of diagnosing this condition include optical coherence tomography, ophthalmoscopy, and fluorescein angiography.
Common treatment options include focal laser therapy, intravitreal injection of corticosteroid drugs, intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, and pan-retinal photocoagulation therapy.
We specialize in the medical and surgical care of ophthalmic diseases and abnormalities, including retinal vein occlusion. Our highly-specialized and fellowship-trained doctors offer you the highest quality, state-of-the-art eye care in a caring and compassionate environment.
If you’ve been referred to Lehigh Eye Specialists for a retinal vein occlusion, you can trust that you will receive the utmost attention and care from our providers. We look forward to meeting you.
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