The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

Vascular occlusion of central or branch retinal vein leading to sudden painless visual loss, retinal hemorrhages, macular edema, and risk of neovascular complications, requiring intravitreal anti-VEGF or steroid therapy and management of underlying systemic risk factors.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)?

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) results from thrombotic occlusion of the central retinal vein at the lamina cribrosa (CRVO) or branch retinal veins at arteriovenous crossings (BRVO), leading to elevated venous pressure, capillary rupture, hemorrhages, and ischemia. Pathogenesis involves Virchow's triad: vessel wall changes (atherosclerosis), stasis, and hypercoagulability, often associated with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and glaucoma in older patients.

Clinical classification includes CRVO (ischemic vs non-ischemic based on >10 disc areas of capillary nonperfusion on FA), BRVO (most commonly superotemporal), hemiretinal vein occlusion (HRVO), and macular BRVO. Ischemic CRVO carries high risk of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) within 3 months ('100-day glaucoma'), while non-ischemic CRVO may convert to ischemic in 15-30% of cases.

Diagnosis includes fundoscopy (dilated tortuous veins, scattered intraretinal hemorrhages in all 4 quadrants for CRVO, sectoral for BRVO, cotton-wool spots, optic disc edema), OCT (macular edema with cystoid spaces, foveal thickness), fluorescein angiography (capillary nonperfusion areas, leakage), and OCT angiography. Systemic workup for hypertension, diabetes, lipid panel, and thrombophilia (in young patients) is essential.

Symptoms

Sudden painless unilateral vision loss
Blurred or distorted vision (metamorphopsia)
Visual field defect (sectoral in BRVO)
Floaters (vitreous hemorrhage if neovascularization)
Eye pain and redness (if neovascular glaucoma develops)
Photopsia or flickering vision
Decreased contrast sensitivity

Risk Factors

Age >65 years (most common)
Hypertension (most important modifiable risk)
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis
Open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Hyperviscosity syndromes (myeloma, polycythemia)
Thrombophilia (in young patients <50: factor V Leiden, antiphospholipid syndrome)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden painless vision loss (urgent ophthalmology referral)
  • Acute visual field defect or floaters
  • New-onset eye pain with vision loss (NVG suspicion)
  • Worsening macular edema despite treatment
  • Symptoms of TIA or stroke alongside vision changes
  • Young patient with bilateral vein occlusion (thrombophilia workup)
  • Suspected neovascularization on fundoscopy

Treatment Methods

01
Intravitreal anti-VEGF (ranibizumab, aflibercept, bevacizumab) for macular edema
02
Dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) for macular edema
03
Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for ischemic CRVO with neovascularization
04
Sectoral laser photocoagulation for ischemic BRVO with neovascularization
05
Treatment of underlying systemic risks: BP, glucose, lipids
06
Glaucoma management for elevated IOP
07
Thrombophilia workup in patients <50 years with bilateral RVO

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.