HealthLinks Charleston July/August 2021

54 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com “Most patients have some immediate improvement and respond quickly, if seen early,” emphasized Dr. Basa. While it is not yet possible to unblock retinal veins, a double-faceted treatment plan can significantly improve and restore some vision. Addressing the underlying systemic issues, such as diabetes or hy- pertension, is often the first step and will improve overall wellness, which, in turn, supports the health of the affected eye. Second, intravitreal injections of an- ti-vascular endothelial growth factor or corticosteroid drugs may reduce inflam - mation and macular edema. Three pop- ular choices are Avantin ® , Lucentis ® and Eylea ® . To minimize pain, the eye is first numbed by anesthetic eyedrops. Accord- ing to Dr. Basa, preparing the eye with lidocaine drops can almost totally reduce eye discomfort during the injection. Focal laser therapy also can decrease edema. Several other treatment possibilities, such as the use of vitamins and antithrombotic drugs, optic nerve decompression and surgical vitrectomy, are available or being studied. There are exciting possibilities on the horizon. In the meantime, while not yet curable, early detection and treatment of retinal vein occlusion can make a huge difference in your future vision. Just ask the doctors at Clemson Eye or Retina Consultants of Charleston. RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION By the Numbers Retinal vein occlusion affects more than 1.1 MILLION people in the United States. The other eye will only be affected in 6% TO 17% of cases. Central retinal vein occlusion is the SECOND MOST COMMON retinal vascular disorder in the Western world. Central retinal vein occlusion occurs most often in people who are over the AGE OF 50. Sources: Genentech and Prevent Blindness.