What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)?
Central retinal vein occlusion is caused by an obstruction to the central retinal vein. The central retinal vein is the main vein that removes waste products from the eye. CRVO is divided into two types: non-ischemic and ischemic. Non-ischemic is the less serious type of central retinal vein occlusion and is the more common type in the United States. Initially, there may be little impact on your vision. Ischemic CRVO is more serious, and can either occur on its own or evolve from non-ischemic. Ischemic CRVO will usually be accompanied by a serious change in your vision. The cause of CRVO is the subject of debate. However, the central retinal vein and arteries share a common vessel or sheath as they exit the optic nerve. Any compression or damage to this sheath can cause an occlusion in the vein. Also, a thrombus or clot may form in the central retinal vein causing the blockage. Such a blockage results in a backup of blood in the retina, which can lead to the production of the hormone t
