An occlusion occurs when one of the veins or arteries that carries blood to or from the retina becomes blocked or contains a blood clot. The blockage can occur in the main vein or the main artery. Blockages can also occur on branches of veins and arteries throughout the retina. A blockage in a vein or artery in the retina can cause blood and other fluids to build up and prevent the retina from filtering light properly. When light is blocked or fluid is present, sudden loss of vision may occur. The severity of the vision loss may depend on where the blockage or clot occurred. Blockages in the main vein or artery are often more serious than blockages in venous or arterial branches. Retinal vascular occlusion is a potentially serious condition, especially if hardening of the arteries atherosclerosis already exists.
Causes Although the specific cause of vascular occlusion or blood clots photo retouching in the retina is unknown, there are several risk factors: blood clots these often travel from another part of the body to the eye ; blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck; atherosclerosis; heart problems, including arrhythmia or valve problems; diabetes ; high blood pressure; hypercholesterolemia; drug use when drugs are injected intravenously ; age over ; glaucoma a condition that damages the optic nerve ; smoking; rare blood disorders; Macular edema fluid accumulation in the macule . Symptoms The first symptom of retinal vascular occlusion is a sudden change in vision.
This can result in blurred vision, partial or complete loss of vision. Most of the time, vision symptoms only affect one eye. No physical pain is associated with retinal vascular occlusion. Changes in vision may be short-term or permanent, depending on your situation. Diagnostic To diagnose retinal vascular occlusion, your doctor will perform a complete eye exam. The exam will check vision, pressure inside the eye, and the physical appearance of the eye among other things. |
