Retinal vessel occlusion

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Retina

Retinal vessel occlusion

Alternative Names:

Retinal vein occlusion; Retinal artery occlusion
Treatment:

The dilation of retinal vessels by inhalation of carbon dioxide/oxygen mixtures may be used to treat arterial blockages. This treatment may allow the clot to move further down the vessel, thereby reducing the area of the retina that is affected.

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In retinal artery occlusion, the cause of the blockage should be investigated. These blockages may reflect life-threatening medical situations. Patients with retinal artery occlusions should be evaluated by their primary care provider for the presence of hypertension, valvular heart disease, or carotid artery blockage.

Treatment for retinal vein occlusions can include aspirin and laser therapy. In patients under 40, blood work investigating a clotting problem should be considered. Diligent evaluation of the blockage over months is important, since many harmful effects take 3 months or more to develop.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. Retinal arterial blockages have a poor prognosis for visual recovery, while patients with retinal vein occlusions often regain excellent sight.

Complications: