Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal Vein Occlusion occurs in two forms: branch retinal vein occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion. 

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Branch retinal vein occlusion is when a smaller vein of the retina is blocked. This can cause bleeding and swelling over a smaller part of the retina. If the affected area is not involving the center of the vision, the patient may not notice it. But if the center of the retina is involved the vision is usually severely affected. Treatment mainly includes intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea) or steroids.

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Central retinal vein occlusion is when the central vein of the retina is blocked and usually causes diffuse bleeding and swelling in the entire retina including the center of the vision. This condition often requires treatments as above.