- Retinal vein occlusion occurs when the blood flow of a retinal vein becomes obstructed, causing haemorrhages in the retina.
- Swelling and ischemia (lack of oxygen) of the retina as well as glaucoma are common complications.
- Vision loss can vary from minimal to severe and can be fully reversible or permanent depending on the extent of the ischaemia.
- Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and increasing age.
- If it occurs in a young person without any risk factors investigations should be done to look for inherited blood clotting disorders.
Link: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007330.htm