HealthLinks Charleston July/August 2021

www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 53 There are several different types of retinal vein occlusion, identified by the actual location of the blockage and the kind of consequent vascular damage. Of these, central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal vein occlusion are the most com- mon, with CRVO at the top of the list. A clinical diagnosis of CRVO involves discovering a typical pattern of retinal hemorrhages as well as listening to pa- tient-reported symptoms. Blockage occurring in the main vein may cause swelling at the center of the retina, in the macula. Because there are a few other conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, that can mimic this disease, doctors sometimes use fluorescein angiography imaging, which involves injecting dye into the patient’s arm, which travels to the retinal blood vessels for specialized pictures. BRVO occurs when small clusters of blood vessels “branch” at arteriovenous intersections and block smaller veins. Periph- eral vision may be lost and central vision blurred or distort- ed. An eye exam will check for retinal hemorrhaging, blood vessels that have twisted or thickened and retinal edema. Untreated, abnormal new blood cells can develop at blockage sites and cause “floaters.” At this time, there is no known cause for retinal vein occlu- sions. However, several correlating risk factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, glaucoma and old age, have been identified, according to Sreeni Basa, M.D., a retina specialist at Clemson Eye in the Upstate. He stressed that early detection is important because immediate treatment can manage the progression of the disease and restore vision to some extent. Also, the eyes of younger patients are more responsive and can achieve at least partial recovery of deep retinal vascula- ture for an improved visual outcome.