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

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

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

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

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

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

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