CRVO
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) is a condition where the central vein in the retina becomes blocked or occluded. This blockage can lead to a sudden decrease in vision due to the accumulation of blood and fluid in the retina. CRVO is one of the most common retinal vascular disorders and is considered a significant cause of vision loss worldwide.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit | edit source]
The primary cause of CRVO is the compression of the central retinal vein, usually by a nearby arteriosclerotic retinal artery. This compression leads to turbulent blood flow and increased venous pressure, eventually resulting in vein occlusion. Several risk factors contribute to the development of CRVO, including:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Glaucoma
- Hypercoagulability states
- Smoking
- Age (more common in individuals over the age of 50)
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of CRVO can vary depending on the severity of the blockage but typically include:
- Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Dark spots or lines (floaters) in the vision
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of CRVO involves a comprehensive eye examination, including:
- Visual acuity test
- Fundus examination
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Fluorescein angiography
These diagnostic tools help assess the extent of retinal damage and the presence of any macular edema.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for CRVO aims to manage the underlying risk factors and to address the complications arising from the condition, such as macular edema. Options include:
- Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents
- Corticosteroid injections
- Laser therapy
Patients with CRVO should also be monitored for the development of neovascularization, which can lead to further complications such as neovascular glaucoma.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for CRVO varies widely and depends on the severity of the occlusion and the promptness of treatment. While some patients may experience a partial recovery of vision, others may suffer from permanent vision loss.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventing CRVO involves controlling the risk factors associated with the condition. This includes:
- Regular monitoring and control of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
- Smoking cessation
- Regular eye examinations, especially for individuals over 50 or those with a history of retinal vascular diseases
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD