Retinal Vein Occlusion (Eye Stroke): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)—often referred to as an eye stroke—occurs when one of the veins responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes blocked. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot or increased pressure within the retinal veins, impairing blood flow and damaging retinal tissue.

Because the retina plays a critical role in vision, retinal vein occlusion can result in sudden and sometimes permanent vision loss. In Canada, any abrupt visual disturbance should be treated as a medical emergency and assessed promptly by an eye care professional.

Types of Retinal Vein Occlusion

There are two main types of retinal vein occlusion, depending on which vein is affected:

1. Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

• Involves blockage of the main retinal vein

• Typically causes more severe and widespread vision loss

2. Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)

• Involves blockage of one of the smaller branch veins

• Vision loss may be partial or localized

The severity of vision impairment depends on which vein is blocked and how quickly treatment begins.

Signs and Symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion

The most common symptom is sudden, painless vision changes that usually affect only one eye.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurred vision or partial vision loss

• Sudden onset of vision changes

• Dark spots or floaters (small specks or shadows drifting across vision)

If untreated, vision loss may worsen over hours or days. In severe cases, pressure buildup within the eye may lead to eye pain, signaling further complications.

Immediate medical evaluation is critical to reduce long-term damage.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors

Retinal vein occlusion is similar in mechanism to a stroke elsewhere in the body and often develops due to hardening or narrowing of blood vessels.

Common risk factors include:

• Glaucoma (increased eye pressure damaging the optic nerve)

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• Macular edema

• Smoking

• Blood clotting disorders

• Age over 60

Managing chronic health conditions significantly reduces the risk of retinal vein occlusion.

Management and Treatment Options

Blocked retinal veins cannot be physically reopened. Treatment focuses on managing complications and preserving remaining vision.

Common treatments include:

• Laser therapy to reduce swelling caused by fluid leakage

• Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation

• Vitrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the vitreous gel from the eye

Early treatment improves outcomes and reduces the risk of secondary complications such as glaucoma or permanent vision loss.

Important Disclaimer

Educational Use Only
This article is intended for health education and first aid awareness in Canada. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sudden vision loss or eye pain should always be treated as a medical emergency.