Introduction
What Are Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusions?
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
RVO occurs when a vein responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes blocked. This blockage disrupts normal blood flow, causing fluid accumulation in the retina, which can lead to swelling, damage, and vision loss.
Types of RVO:
- Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): A blockage in the main vein that drains blood from the retina.
- Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): A blockage in a smaller branch of the retinal vein.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
Symptoms of RVO and CRAO
Both RVO and CRAO can cause significant visual changes. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or Distorted Vision: Sudden or gradual, depending on the type of occlusion.
- Dark Spots or Shadows: Partial or total vision loss in one eye.
- Swelling of the Retina (Macular Oedema): Particularly common in RVO, leading to further vision impairment.
- Sudden Vision Loss: A hallmark of CRAO, often accompanied by a complete loss of vision in the affected eye.
Causes of RVO and CRAO
These conditions often stem from systemic health issues or vascular risk factors.
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Smoking
- Glaucoma
- Blood Clotting Disorders
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- High Blood Pressure
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Heart Conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation)
- Giant Cell Arteritis (inflammation of blood vessels)
How Are RVO and CRAO Diagnosed at The Retina Clinic London?
At The Retina Clinic London, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the severity of retinal damage and guide treatment decisions.
Diagnostic Tools
- Ultrawidefield OCT-A (Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography)
Instantly detects areas of retinal ischaemia and neovascularisation, helping us monitor disease progression and treatment response. - Ultrawidefield Fluorescein Angiography (FFA)
Highlights areas of leakage, ischaemia, and disease activity, providing critical information for personalised treatment planning. - High-Resolution OCT
Offers cross-sectional imaging of the retina to assess swelling, fluid build-up, and macular oedema caused by RVO. - Visual Acuity Testing
Measures the impact of the occlusion on your vision and tracks changes over time.
How Are RVO and CRAO Treated?
1. Treatment for Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
Intravitreal Injections:
Faricimab (Vabysmo): Targets two key pathways to reduce fluid build-up and improve vision.
Aflibercept (Eylea): A highly effective anti-VEGF treatment for reducing retinal swelling.
Ranibizumab (Lucentis): Commonly used to manage macular oedema associated with RVO.
Bevacizumab (Avastin): An off-label but affordable anti-VEGF option.
Laser Therapy:
Targeted Pan-Retinal Photocoagulation: Guided by ultrawidefield FFA, this personalised laser treatment seals leaking blood vessels and reduces ischaemia, minimising the risk of further vision loss.
Vitrectomy Surgery:
In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the vitreous gel and stabilise the retina.
Systemic Management:
Treating underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is essential to reduce recurrence.
2. Treatment for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
Reducing Eye Pressure:
Techniques such as ocular massage or paracentesis may be used to restore blood flow to the retina.
Systemic Management:
Addressing systemic causes such as carotid artery disease or giant cell arteritis is crucial to prevent future complications.
Why Choose The Retina Clinic London for RVO and CRAO Treatment?
At The Retina Clinic London, we combine world-class expertise with state-of-the-art technology to provide exceptional care for retinal occlusions.
What Sets Us Apart
- World-Class Expertise: Led by Professor Paulo Stanga and his team of retinal specialists, our consultants have extensive experience in treating complex retinal vascular conditions.
- Comprehensive Diagnostics: Using tools like ultrawidefield OCT-A, ultrawidefield FFA, and high-resolution OCT, we provide an in-depth assessment to guide personalised treatment.
- Advanced Treatments: We offer the latest in anti-VEGF therapy, targeted laser treatments, and vitrectomy surgery for severe cases.
- Tailored Care Plans: Each patient receives a bespoke treatment plan, designed to address their specific condition and underlying health factors.
- Collaborative Care: We work closely with cardiologists and GP’s to address systemic causes and reduce the risk of future complications.
Take Control of Your Eye Health Today
If you are experiencing symptoms of Retinal Vein or Artery Occlusion, The Retina Clinic London is here to help. With expert-led care and the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, we aim to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.
To schedule a consultation, call +44 (0)20 4548 5310 or email info@theretinacliniclondon.com