Retinal vein occlusion happens when blood flow out of the retina is disrupted by a blocked retinal vein, which can increase pressure in the retinal vessels and lead to leakage, bleeding, and swelling. RVO is more often associated with vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and glaucoma. The cause of the blockage is a separate question from how the eye is treated.
How the blockage in RVO happens
RVO happens when blood flow out of the retina is disrupted by a blocked retinal vein. That blockage can increase pressure within retinal vessels and lead to leakage, bleeding, and swelling.
Common risk factors for RVO
RVO is more often associated with:
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- high cholesterol
- glaucoma
- other vascular or cardiovascular risk factors
Read more: Is retinal vein occlusion an emergency?
Why some patients are assessed differently
When RVO occurs in a younger patient or in an unusual context, clinicians may sometimes consider whether other clotting or vascular factors could be contributing.
Why cause and treatment are different questions
The cause of the blockage is not the same as the main target of eye treatment. Treatment usually focuses on complications such as macular edema or abnormal new blood vessel growth.
Key takeaway
Retinal vein occlusion is linked to blocked retinal venous blood flow and is often associated with vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol problems, and glaucoma.
Frequently asked questions
What causes retinal vein occlusion?
RVO happens when blood flow out of the retina is disrupted by a blocked retinal vein, which can increase pressure within retinal vessels and lead to leakage, bleeding, and swelling.
What are the risk factors for RVO?
RVO is more often associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, glaucoma, and other vascular or cardiovascular risk factors.
Why are younger patients with RVO sometimes assessed differently?
When RVO occurs in a younger patient or in an unusual context, clinicians may sometimes consider whether other clotting or vascular factors could be contributing.
Does treating RVO fix the cause of the blockage?
The cause of the blockage is not the same as the main target of eye treatment. Treatment usually focuses on complications such as macular edema or abnormal new blood vessel growth.
Retina care and referrals in Hamilton
Retina Consultants of Hamilton provides educational information on retinal conditions, and Precision Retina Care accepts patient referrals from optometrists and referring physicians in the Hamilton area. Learn more about how RVO is managed or visit our referral information page.
Related reading:
General educational information only. This page is not a substitute for an eye examination or individualized medical advice. Specific referral, testing, and treatment decisions depend on clinical assessment.
Reviewed by Dr. Varun Chaudhary, vitreoretinal specialist, Retina Consultants of Hamilton.