Overview
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is a common vascular disorder of the retina where one of the veins responsible for draining blood becomes blocked. This blockage leads to impaired blood flow, retinal swelling, and vision problems. In Korea, advanced diagnostic and treatment options are widely available to manage RVO effectively and preserve vision.
What is Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)?
RVO occurs when a retinal vein is obstructed by a blood clot or compression, causing blood to back up and leak into the retina. There are two main types: Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO), affecting smaller branches of retinal veins, and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO), affecting the main retinal vein. Both types can cause vision loss if not treated promptly.
Symptoms
- Sudden painless loss of vision in one eye
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Dark spots or floaters in the visual field
- Vision loss may be partial or complete depending on severity
Causes
- Blood clot formation in the retinal veins
- Compression of retinal veins by adjacent arteries or other structures
- Underlying vascular diseases causing blood vessel damage
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes mellitus
- High cholesterol
- Glaucoma
- Smoking
- Age (more common in older adults)
- Cardiovascular diseases
Complications
- Macular edema (swelling in the central retina) leading to vision loss
- Neovascularization (abnormal new blood vessel growth) increasing risk of bleeding and glaucoma
- Permanent vision impairment or blindness if untreated
- Secondary glaucoma caused by abnormal blood vessels
Prevention
- Proper management of systemic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes
- Regular eye exams for early detection in high-risk individuals
- Healthy lifestyle choices including quitting smoking and controlling cholesterol
- Timely treatment of retinal vascular conditions
Treatment Options in Korea
Korean eye care facilities provide comprehensive and advanced treatments for RVO:
- Diagnostic Imaging: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography to evaluate retinal swelling and blood flow.
- Intravitreal Injections: Anti-VEGF drugs and steroids to reduce macular edema and inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Laser Therapy: Scatter laser photocoagulation to manage neovascularization and prevent complications.
- Management of Underlying Conditions: Coordination with specialists to control diabetes, hypertension, and other risk factors.
- Surgical Options: In rare cases, vitrectomy surgery may be recommended for complications such as vitreous hemorrhage.
