Retinal vessel occlusion

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Retina

Retinal vein occlusion; Retinal artery occlusion

Breathing in (inhaling) a carbon dioxide/oxygen mixture has been used to treat arterial blockages. This treatment causes the retinal vessels to widen (dilate), and may allow the clot to move down the vessel, which reduces the area of the retina that is affected.

In retinal artery occlusion, the cause of the blockage should be investigated. These blockages may reflect life-threatening medical situations. Patients with retinal artery occlusions should be screened for hypertension, valvular heart disease, or carotid artery blockage.

Treatment for retinal vein occlusions can include aspirin and laser therapy. In patients under 40, blood tests should be done to check for a clotting problem. It is important that any blockage be closely monitored for several months, since many harmful effects take 3 or more months to develop.

The outcome varies. Retinal arterial blockages have a poor prognosis for visual recovery, while patients with retinal vein occlusions often regain excellent sight.

• Stroke
• Glaucoma
• Partial or complete loss of vision in the affected eye

Call your health care provider if sudden blurring or loss of vision occurs.

Review Date: 05/18/2006
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.