Retinal Artery or Vein Occlusion belongs to the category of retinal vascular disorders. Normally occuring in older patients with signs of systemic vascular disease i.e. hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and heart disease, it happens when one or more of the blood vessels in the eye becomes blocked, causing water to build up and the retina not being able to function appropriately, resulting in visual loss. The extent of visual loss is dependent on the number of blood vessels that become blocked.
Classication of retinal vascular disorders include -
- Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)
Occurs when a branch vein in the eye is blocked. - Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)
Occurs when all the veins in the eye is blocked. - Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO)
Occurs when there is blockage of a small artery in the eye. - Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)
Occurs due to blockage of the main artery of the eye. Disease results in sudden painless loss of vision.