Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): Understanding the Impact on Vision
Diagnosis of serious sight-threatening eye conditions is based upon a retinal examination; retina exams detect damage to the retina before you even notice any visual symptoms. Retinal imaging is often thought of as an optional add-on to a regular eye exam, but it is important not to skip it. Painless testing mainly involves taking pictures at the back of the eye to help your eye doctor assess any damage to the retina to slow down the progression of a disease and prevent damage from destroying your vision.
Many retinal conditions cannot be reversed but with proper intervention can be managed to ensure your quality of vision does not worsen. Also, many retinal conditions are brought on by poor health in other areas of the body including diabetes and high blood pressure. Retinal vein occlusion is one such condition. Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina. Retinal vein occlusion is caused by the hardening of the arteries and the formation of a blood clot. The blockage of the smaller veins in the retina occurs in places where the arteries have thickened and hardened and place pressure on the retinal vein. Symptoms include sudden blurred vision or vision loss in all or part of the eye. Unfortunately, many other serious eye conditions pose the same onset of symptoms, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention out of precaution for your eyesight.
Tests for evaluating retinal vein occlusion include a dilated retinal exam, fluorescein angiography, intraocular pressure, pupil reflex response, refraction eye exam, retinal photography, slit lamp exam, visual field examination and visual acuity testing. Complications include total or partial vision in the affected eye and glaucoma and can be exacerbated by additional medical issues. The prognosis varies among patients as currently there is no way to reverse or cure the blockage in the retinal vein. Without treatment 1/3 of patients improve on their own, 1/3 stay the same and 1/3 experience worsening vision. Treatment options that can prevent or treat problems associated with retinal vein occlusion include anti-VEGF injections, steroid injections, panretinal photocoagulation, vitrectomy and a combination of prescription medications.
The significance of early intervention cannot be stressed enough. Your vision matters and the health of your eyes depends on proper assessment from a board-certified ophthalmologist. Call Associated Retina Consultants ASAP to book your retinal imaging exam. The process only takes 15-20 minutes to give you peace of mind and an effective protocol for the sake of your vision. Call 602-242-4928 or check out the latest services we offer here at WEBSITE.