10100 Loop 40 West
Midland, TX 79706
Mailing Address
PO Box 61880
Midland, Tx 79711-1880
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
What is Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion?
BRVO is a condition where a small vein in the retina becomes blocked causing temporary or permanent loss of circulation to the surrounding area.
Symptoms
In most cases the patient will experience a painless decrease in vision which may or may not be permanent. If a patient does regain vision it may not be as good as it was before the incident. In some cases the patient will have swelling in the macular area (area of central vision). Due to the decreased blood flow the eye may begin to grow abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization) that can cause bleeding and/or elevated eye pressure. Follow up examination will enable the doctor to detect these changes and deliver treatment before permanent damage is done.
Testing & Treatment
Your doctor may want to order some lab tests as well as tests to see if there is blockage in your carotid arteries. You will also be asked to undergo a Fluorescein Angiogram. This is a test that is performed in the doctor’s office. A fluorescent dye is injected into a vein in your arm or hand and pictures are taken of the retina as the dye travels through the retinal veins and arteries. This will reveal to your doctor the exact location of the blockage and assist him in determining to what extent the circulation has be compromised. The results from all these tests will assist your doctor in developing a treatment and follow-up plan.
After-Treatment Care
There is no cure for a vein occlusion but consistent monitoring by your doctor will help to detect possible complications that can be treated to help maintain vision.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion?
CRVO is a condition affecting the main vessels in the retina. The central vein that drains all the blood from the retina may become blocked where it shares a common wall with the central retinal artery.
Causes
The blockage could be caused by a number of things including as a result of disease affecting the arterial wall. Hardening of the arteries is the most common cause of CRVO. Other problems that may contribute to or cause CRVO are diabetes, high blood pressure and other blood disorders.
Symptoms
Symptoms of CRVO include a severe, painless vision loss that is sudden and most often worsens in several days. Quick evaluation and treatment are needed to prevent complications from developing.
Testing & Treatment
Your doctor will probably want to order several tests such as lab tests and a test to see if there is blockage in your carotid arteries. You will also be asked to undergo a Fluorescein Angiogram. This is a test that is performed in the doctors office. A fluorescent dye is injected into a vein in your arm or hand and pictures are taken as the dye travels through the retinal veins and arteries. This will inform the doctor of the location of the blockage and the extent of circulatory loss. The results from all these tests will assist the doctor in determining a treatment and follow-up plan.
Complications
The most common complications are growth of new, abnormal, blood vessels. When they grow on the surface of the retina they can cause hemorrhaging in the eye if left untreated. These abnormal blood vessels can also grow on the iris, the colored part of the eye. This is called rubeosis and may lead to a painful form of glaucoma. A large number of patients will have swelling in the macula.
After-Treatment Care
There is no cure for a vein occlusion but consistent monitoring by your doctor will help to detect possible complications that can be treated to help maintain vision.
Serving Midland, Odessa, Pecos & San Angelo, TX
At Premier Retina Specialists, we offer treatment plans for both central and branch retinal vein occlusion. Although there may not be a cure, it is very important for us to work to maintain your vision. If you are experiencing vision loss, call us today for testing. Our experienced and caring staff will test, treat and monitor and issue we find.