Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

 

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) is a condition that occurs when the central retinal vein of the optic nerve, which drains the retinal circulation, becomes blocked by a thrombus[4]. This blockage increases venous pressure to a variable degree depending on the degree of occlusion, leading to a range of symptoms and complications[1]. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of CRVO.

## Causes
The exact cause of CRVO is not known, but there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include:

– Age: CRVO is more common in people over the age of 50[1].
– High blood pressure: Hypertension is a significant risk factor for CRVO[3].
– Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop CRVO[3].
– Glaucoma: People with glaucoma are at higher risk of developing CRVO[3].
– Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for CRVO[3].

## Symptoms
The most common symptom of CRVO is sudden, painless vision loss in one eye[1]. Other symptoms may include:

– Blurred vision
– Distorted vision
– Dark spots or floaters in the vision
– Loss of peripheral vision

## Diagnosis
Diagnosis of CRVO typically involves a comprehensive eye exam, including a dilated eye exam, visual acuity test, and tonometry to measure intraocular pressure[3]. Additional tests may include:

– Fluorescein angiography: A dye is injected into the arm, and photographs are taken as the dye passes through the blood vessels in the eye[1].
– Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina[1].
– Blood tests: To check for underlying conditions that may be contributing to the CRVO[1].

## Treatment
There is no cure for CRVO, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options may include:

– Anti-VEGF injections: These injections can help reduce macular edema and improve vision[4].
– Laser photocoagulation: This treatment can help reduce macular edema and prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels[3].
– Corticosteroids: These medications can help reduce inflammation and improve vision[3].
– Hemodilution: This treatment involves lowering blood viscosity to improve blood flow[1].

## Conclusion
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion is a serious condition that can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one eye. While there is no cure for CRVO, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. If you experience sudden vision loss or other symptoms of CRVO, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525985/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6717655/
[3] https://eyewiki.aao.org/Central_Retinal_Vein_Occlusion
[4] https://ophed.com/sites/default/files/biblio/2981/cruise_trial_lucentis_for_crvo_pdf_14074.pdf