Retinal vessel occlusion

Alternative names:

retinal artery occlusion; retinal vein occlusion

Definition:

A blockage of the blood supply to the retina, the light sensitive membrane in the back of the eye.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Retinal arteries and veins can become blocked by a blood clot, fat deposit, or a fragment of atherosclerotic plaque. Underlying disorders may be present such as glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, coagulation disorders, atherosclerosis, and hyperlipidemia.

The vision loss after retinal vein occlusion is variable. Hemorrhage may be present, and the person may be at risk for developing glaucoma. In retinal artery occlusions, there is a profound visual loss. The degree of loss is, in part, related to the location of the occlusion. There is a risk of stroke because the emboli affecting the eye could also affect the brain.

Risk factors are related to the possible underlying disorders. The condition affects older people more frequently and is rare in children. The actual incidence is not reported.