A central retinal vein occlusion, or CRVO, occurs when the entire retinal vein occludes. A central retinal vein occlusion is one of two types of vascular occlusions which affect the retinal veins. The other form of a retinal vascular occlusion is called a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). A hemi-retinal vein occlusion is synonymous with a BRVO.
There are two types of retinal artery occlusion: central retinal artery occlusions and branch retinal artery occlusions.
Symptoms of CRVO
All vascular occlusions of the retina are painless. Vision loss with a CRVO is usually severe, quick and painless. A CRVO generally happens only to one eye as bilateral vein occlusions are not common.
Vision loss from a CRVO is usually permanent. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF and steroid are commonly employed, but usually do not result in significant improvement in vision.
Complications of CRVO
When the central vein occludes, significant leakage of blood and fluid occurs into the retina. It is very similar to a car tire running over a garden hose – everything backs up and leaks. Fluid accumulating in the retina causes swelling and there is usually substantial bleeding into the retinal tissue. Macular edema (swelling of the macula) is very common.
Whenever there is loss of blood supply to the retina, neovascular glaucoma can develop. Neovascular glaucoma is a specific type of glaucoma which results only when oxygen supply (via blood flow) to the retina is insufficient to meet oxygen demand.
Of the four types of retinal vascular occlusions, neovascular glaucoma most commonly develops from a CRVO.
Regardless of our ability to improve vision with treatment, patients with central retinal vein occlusions must be monitored routinely for evidence of a CRVO. Evidence of neovascularization can often be reversed with early detection.
Treatment of CRVO
Treatment of central retinal vascular occlusions is aimed at reducing the macular edema. This can be achieved with laser, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF or steroids.
Unfortunately, unlike other disease, reducing the macular edema does not translate to impressive visual improvement.
