What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion? Is it dangerous?

What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion? Is it dangerous?

 

 

 

If your doctor told you that you have a blood clot in your eye, a central retinal vein occlusion is one of the most dangerous types of blood clots in the retina. If only a branch of the retinal vein is blocked it is not so bad. However if the central retinal vein or the main vein draining the retina is blocked, it could harm your vision and cause serious side effects.

A CRVO or central retinal vein occlusion can be of two types… ischemic and non-ischemic. If the blood flow has come down dramatically resulting in total hypoperfusion of the retina, it is the ischemic type which is extremely dangerous. The non-ischemic type is not so bad. In fact most patients enjoy good vision .

However, a non-ischemic type of CRVO can get converted into an ischemic type. Hence regular check ups with your retina specialist is very important.

Treatment is with intravitreal injections, retinal laser and surgery. Diagnosis and management of associated glaucoma is extremely important as IOP spikes can result in these blood clots.