Understanding Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) - Specialty Vision

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) is a serious eye condition that can lead to significant vision loss. Our expert eye doctors are here to help you manage and understand CRVO.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) is an eye condition that affects the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye—when the main vein responsible for draining blood becomes blocked. Early treatment is essential because timely intervention can reduce the risk of further vision loss. Our eye doctors are here to offer guidance, care, and comprehensive evaluations to help you understand and manage CRVO.

What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)?

CRVO occurs when the central retinal vein, which carries blood away from the retina, becomes obstructed either partially or completely by a blood clot. When this critical drainage pathway is blocked, blood and fluid accumulate in the retina, leading to swelling and blurred vision, particularly in the central area known as the macula. This condition is most commonly seen in people over the age of 50, and while it typically affects only one eye, its impact on vision can vary significantly between individuals.

Types of CRVO: Non-Ischemic vs. Ischemic

CRVO can be classified into two primary types, each differing in severity and visual prognosis:

  • Non-Ischemic CRVO: Often considered the milder form, this type is marked by leakage from the retinal blood vessels. Though the symptoms may be less severe initially, non-ischemic CRVO still requires careful monitoring to prevent progression.
  • Ischemic CRVO: This is the more severe form, where the blockage leads to a significant reduction or complete cessation of blood flow through the retinal vessels. The resulting oxygen deprivation can cause nerve cells to die, leading to potentially irreversible vision loss if not managed promptly.

Both types lead to fluid buildup in the retina, particularly affecting the macula, which is essential for central vision. It is important to note that even mild cases can worsen without early diagnosis and treatment.

Call now to schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards protecting your vision.

How Does CRVO Impact Vision?

The primary effect of CRVO is the sudden blurring or loss of vision in one eye. This happens because the blockage in the central retinal vein results in blood and fluid leaking into the retina, especially into the macula—the part of the retina that manages our central vision. As the macula swells, the clarity of what you see is compromised, often causing images to appear distorted or out of focus.

Over time, if blood circulation remains reduced, the retina may not receive enough oxygen, and the nerve cells responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain can begin to deteriorate. In severe cases, vision loss can happen abruptly, and some patients may even lose all vision in the affected eye. This makes it critical to seek help from our eye doctors as soon as you notice any unusual changes in your vision.

Recognizing the Symptoms of CRVO

The symptoms of CRVO can vary widely, depending on the severity of the blockage. Here are some common signs to look out for:

  • Blurry Vision: The most frequent symptom, which may affect the entire visual field or just the central area.
  • Sudden Vision Loss: Some people experience a quick decline in vision; in certain cases, complete vision loss can occur in one eye.
  • Floaters: You might see dark spots, lines, or squiggles, which are shadows cast by small clumps of leaked blood in the vitreous humor—the fluid inside your eye.
  • Redness or Discomfort: Although not as common, some individuals may notice eye redness or a sensation of pressure, particularly in more severe cases.

It’s important to be aware that some patients with very mild CRVO experience transient visual obscurations. If your symptoms come and go, it’s still wise to consult with our eye doctors, as early diagnosis can prevent further vision loss.

Understanding Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) - Specialty Vision

Call now to schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards protecting your vision.

Common Questions

CRVO is a blockage of the main vein that drains blood from the retina, leading to vision loss and swelling.
Common symptoms include blurry vision, sudden vision loss, floaters, and redness or discomfort in the eye.
Diagnosis is typically made through a dilated eye exam, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography.
Treatment options include anti-VEGF injections, steroid injections, and laser therapy to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Amplify EyeCare cartoon

Understanding Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) - Specialty Vision

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) can lead to vision loss. Find expert eye doctors to help manage this serious condition effectively.

Logo Specialty Vision Stacked Fullcolor1

Find a Doctor

starchevron-downarrow-up