Retinal Vein Thrombosis

The main risk factors include age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, high intraocular pressure, diabetes, oral contraceptives, and a high BMI. Less commonly, there may be an underlying condition that triggers thromboses.

 If the central part of the retina is affected, vision may suddenly deteriorate in one eye. If the central part is not affected, you might not notice any symptoms, and the thrombosis might be discovered incidentally during a routine check-up.

How is it diagnosed?

Tests used to diagnose thrombosis and assess complications include fundus examination, OCT, and fluorescein angiography.

As with AMD, pupil dilation is often required for these tests, resulting in temporary blurred vision.

Since a vein occlusion can be caused by factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and blood clotting disorders, patients are often referred to their general practitioner for a general health check.

Intravitreal Injections‍

A small amount of medication is injected into the eye under local anesthesia. The medications used include ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab, triamcinolone, or dexamethasone. These injections are performed in cases of macular edema or new blood vessel growth. The medication has a temporary effect and must be administered regularly.

Laser Treatment of the Retina‍

Laser is used to slow the growth of new blood vessels on the retina.