Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, UK
For inquiries about cataract surgery, macular degeneration, or retinal disorders, please call 01202 702841.
About retinal vein occlusion
What is Retinal Vein Occlusion?
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is an eye condition caused by a blockage in one of the veins that drains blood from the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that is essential for vision.
When a retinal vein becomes blocked, blood and fluid can leak into the retina, leading to swelling, bleeding, and reduced vision. RVO usually affects one eye.
Types of Retinal Vein Occlusion
There are two main types, depending on which vein is affected:
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)
- The main vein draining the retina is blocked
- Can affect the whole retina
- Often causes sudden, painless vision loss
- Can be mild or severe
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)
- A smaller branch vein is blocked
- Affects part of the retina
- Vision loss is usually less severe than CRVO
- Often noticed as a blurred or missing area in part of the vision
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary and may include:
- Sudden or gradual blurring of vision
- Loss of vision in part or all of one eye
- Distorted or patchy vision
- Dark spots or shadows in the vision
RVO is typically painless. Any sudden change in vision should be assessed urgently.
Why Does RVO Happen?
RVO is more common in people over 50 years of age and is associated with conditions that affect blood vessels, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Glaucoma
- Smoking
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sometimes no clear cause is identified.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:
- Sudden loss or worsening of vision
- New blurred or distorted vision in one eye
Contact your optician, GP, or local eye casualty department promptly.
How is RVO Diagnosed?
RVO is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. Tests may include:
- Examination of the retina after pupil dilation
- Retinal scans (Optical Coherence Tomography, OCT)
- Retinal photographs
- A dye test (fluorescein angiography) to assess blood flow and leakage
- You may also be advised to have blood pressure checks and blood tests.
Complications of RVO
- Possible complications include:
- Macular oedema (swelling of the central retina), which is the most common cause of reduced vision
- Reduced blood supply to the retina (ischaemia)
- Abnormal new blood vessel growth (neovascularisation), which can increase eye pressure and threaten vision
Regular follow-up is important to detect these problems early.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of RVO and its complications.
Macular Oedema
- Usually treated with anti-VEGF injections into the eye
- Sometimes steroid injections or implants are used
- Treatment is commonly provided through NHS hospital eye services or privately
Other Treatments
- Laser treatment may be used in certain situations
- Eye pressure-lowering drops may be prescribed if needed
Treatment aims to stabilise or improve vision and prevent further complications.
What to Expect
Vision recovery varies from person to person
Some people experience significant improvement; others may have permanent visual changes
Multiple treatments and regular monitoring are often required
Your eye specialist will discuss expected outcomes with you.
Living with RVO
Many people adapt well to changes in vision. Support may include:
- Good lighting and magnification aids
- Referral to low vision services
If vision is significantly reduced, registration as sight impaired may provide access to additional support.
Driving and RVO
Driving depends on your level of vision. You must meet DVLA visual standards and inform the DVLA if required. Your eye care professional can advise you.
Reducing Future Risk
To reduce the risk of further eye or vascular problems:
- Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol
- Stop smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
- Attend regular eye and medical check-ups
Managing general health is an important part of RVO care.
Further Information and Support
Macular Society (UK) – support for macular oedema and retinal conditions
RNIB – advice and visual support