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Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) or an eye stroke, is a condition that occurs where a vein that carries blood away from the retina becomes blocked, leading to reduced blood flow and damage to the affected area.
RVO or eye stroke is a relatively common condition that can cause sudden vision changes, such as blurred or distorted vision, or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. There are two types of RVO, including branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), depending on which vein is affected. RVO is most commonly seen in individuals over the age of 50 and is associated with various risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. Early detection and treatment of RVO is essential to maintain eye health, prevent further retinal disorders, and preserve vision. Treatment options may include medications, laser therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Regular eye exams and management of underlying health conditions can help reduce the risk of RVO and other eye-related complications.
Here are the symptoms to look out for:
If you experience sudden vision loss in one eye, it could be a sign of RVO. You may notice a sudden, painless loss of vision, which can range from mild to severe. In some cases, you may only notice a partial loss of vision or a blind spot in your visual field. If you experience sudden vision loss call us immediately at (360) 491-2121 or visit an ER.
RVO or eye stroke can also cause blurry or distorted vision, making it difficult to see fine details or read small print. You may notice that objects appear distorted or wavy, or that your vision is hazy or cloudy.
Some people with RVO may also experience a reduction in their ability to see colors. You may notice that colors appear less vibrant or that you have difficulty distinguishing between certain shades.
In some cases, RVO can cause eye pain or discomfort, particularly if it's accompanied by inflammation or swelling in the affected area. You may also experience a sensation of pressure or fullness in your eye.
RVO can sometimes cause floaters, which are small, dark specks or shapes that appear to float across your field of vision. Floaters are usually harmless, but they can be a sign of a more serious condition, so it's important to get them checked out by our optometrist.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call us at (360) 491-2121 to schedule an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving your vision and preventing further damage to your eye.
While anyone can develop RVO, certain factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. Here are some of the causes to look out for:
RVO is more common in older adults, particularly those over the age of 60. As you age, the blood vessels in your eyes can become weaker and more susceptible to damage and blockages.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage the blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of developing RVO. If you have high blood pressure, it's important to manage it through lifestyle changes and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of developing RVO. If you have diabetes, it's important to manage your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
High levels of cholesterol in your blood can lead to the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels, increasing your risk of developing RVO. If you have high cholesterol, it's important to manage it through lifestyle changes and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve and increase your risk of developing RVO. If you have glaucoma, it's important to manage it through regular eye exams and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease, can heighten your risk of developing RVO. If you have a blood disorder, it's crucial to collaborate with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and mitigate the risk of RVO development.
Other lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of developing RVO include smoking, a history of blood clots, and certain medications. It's important to talk to our optometrist about your medical history and any medications you're taking to determine your risk of developing RVO.
Here are some of the risk factors to be aware of:
Smoking can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of developing RVO. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your eye health and overall health.
If you have a history of blood clots, you may be at increased risk of developing RVO. It's important to discuss your medical history with our optometrist to determine your risk of developing this condition.
Some medications, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, can increase your risk of developing blood clots, which can in turn increase your risk of developing RVO. It's important to talk to our optometrist about any medications you're taking and their potential risks.
If you have a family history of RVO or other eye conditions, you may be at increased risk of developing this condition. It's important to discuss your family history with our optometrist and undergo regular eye exams to monitor your eye health.
If you are experiencing vision changes or have any of the risk factors associated with RVO, we may perform certain tests to diagnose the condition. Here are some of the diagnostic tests that may be performed:
We will perform a dilated eye exam to examine the back of your eye and check for any signs of RVO, such as bleeding or swelling in the retina.
This test involves injecting a dye into your arm and taking photographs of your eye to check for any abnormalities in the blood vessels of the retina.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This non-invasive test uses light waves to create a detailed image of your retina, allowing us to check for any abnormalities or damage.
This test measures your peripheral vision and can help our optometrist determine the extent of your vision loss due to RVO.
Our optometrist may perform blood tests to check for any underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, that may be contributing to your RVO.
The treatment options for RVO depend on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Here are some of the treatment options that may be recommended:
Certain medications may be prescribed to treat RVO, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, or medications to control high blood pressure or cholesterol levels. These medications may help to reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the retina.
These injections are used to block the effects of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can contribute to the development of RVO. Anti-VEGF injections may be administered directly into the eye and can help to reduce swelling and improve vision.
Laser treatment may be used to seal leaking blood vessels in the retina or to create new blood vessels that can bypass the blocked vein. This treatment can help to improve vision and prevent further damage to the retina.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blood clots or scar tissue from the retina. Surgery may also be used to create a bypass for the blocked vein or to remove the vitreous gel from the eye to improve blood flow.
In addition to these treatments, there are also several lifestyle changes that you can make for effective eye health management and to help manage your RVO:
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing further complications from RVO.
Regular exercise can help to improve blood flow and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, which can contribute to RVO.
If you have underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it's important to manage these conditions with medication and lifestyle changes.
Smoking can contribute to the development of RVO and can make it harder for your body to heal. Quitting smoking can help to reduce your risk of developing further complications.
It's important to remember that early detection and treatment are key to preserving your vision and preventing further damage to your eyes. If you are experiencing any vision changes or have any of the risk factors associated with RVO or eye stroke, it's important to schedule an appointment with our optometrist for an evaluation.
If you are experiencing sudden vision changes, it's important to schedule an appointment with our optometrist for an evaluation. Early detection and treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) can help to preserve your vision and prevent further damage to your eyes. If you have any of the risk factors associated with RVO, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it's important to take steps to manage these conditions through lifestyle changes and medication. By making healthy choices and seeking timely medical attention, you can take control of your eye health and protect your vision for years to come. Contact us today at (360) 491-2121 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you manage your RVO through our comprehensive eye care services.
Patients searching for advanced medical eye care visit our clinic from all over Washington, and we are proud to be a leading provider of comprehensive eye care services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.
Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.
I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.
Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.
Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.
Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.
The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.
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