ImportantRetina
Retinal Vein Occlusion
A blockage in a retinal vein that can affect vision and needs professional care.
What is it?
Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of one of the veins that drains blood from the retina. It can cause sudden painless blurred vision or vision loss and requires specialist assessment.
Common symptoms
- Sudden painless blurred vision or vision loss
- Dark spots or floaters
- Distorted vision
Risk factors
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Age over 50
- Smoking
- Glaucoma
Prevention tips
- Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Have regular eye examinations if you have vascular risk factors
- Stop smoking
- Seek prompt eye care if vision becomes blurred or distorted
Treatment overview
Anti-VEGF injections are the main treatment for macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. Laser treatment may be used for peripheral retinal ischaemia, and underlying risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol should be controlled.
Seek urgent care if you notice
- Sudden vision loss
- Severe or worsening eye pain
Related eye care tips
Have questions about your eyes?
This information is general education and does not replace a professional eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes, book an appointment.