What is central retinal vein occlusion?
Central retinal vein occlusion is caused by a blockage in one of the blood vessels in the eye, the central retinal vein. This blood vessel drains the blood out of the retina. It is like a water pipe being blocked in your house. This causes pressure to build up in the system and leaks to appear. In the eye fluid leaks into the retina causing it to swell (macular oedema). The retina cannot work well when it is swollen which causes a reduction in your central vision often making the vision patchy. The blockage is probably caused by a blood clot in the vein. Also, because of the blockage the flow of blood to the retina is slowed down. This can starve the retina of oxygen. In severe cases the eye tries to produce new blood vessels in the eye to help supply oxygen. Unfortunately this can produce a very severe type of glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), which further damages the eye. Is there any treatment? Many treatments have been tried for this condition, including laser, steroid injectio
