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Retinal vessel occlusion

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Retinal vessel occlusion is a blockage of the blood supply to the retina , the light sensitive membrane in the back of the eye.

Alternative Names:

Retinal vein occlusion; Retinal artery occlusion

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Retinal arteries and veins can become blocked by a blood clot  or substances (such as fat or plaque) that get stuck in the blood vessels. This is usually caused by an underlying disorder such as glaucoma , hypertension , diabetes , coagulation disorders , atherosclerosis , or hyperlipidemia .

Vision loss after retinal vein occlusion varies. Hemorrhage (bleeding) may be present, and the person may be at risk for developing glaucoma. However, in retinal artery occlusions, there is considerable visual loss . The degree of loss is partly related to the location of the occlusion.

People with retinal vessel occlusion have a risk of stroke because the source of the clots ( emboli ) affecting the eye could also send clots to the brain.

Retinal vessel occlusion more frequently affects older people. Risk factors are related to the possible disorders that cause the blockage.

• Review Date: 5/18/2006
• Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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