CRVO

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD