What is CRVO?
Veins return oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. The retina has one major artery and one major vein. The vein is called the central retinal vein. Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a blockage of this vein that causes the vein to leak blood and excess fluid into the retina. This fluid often collects in the area of the retina responsible for central vision called the macula. When the macula is affected, central vision may become blurry. 
Who is at Risk for CRVO?
After diabetic retinopathy, CRVO is the second most common retinal vascular disorder. CRVO usually occurs in people who are aged 50 and older. In most cases, it is not known what causes the condition. It is more common in patients with high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and glaucoma than it is in other people. The second eye will develop vein occlusion in 6-17% of cases.What are the signs and symptoms of CRVO?
CRVO causes sudden, painless vision loss in one eye that can become worse over several hours or days. There are two types of CRVO:
- Non-ischemic CRVO is a less serious form of CRVO, which accounts for about 75% of cases, and usually has a better visual outcome.
- Ischemic CRVO is a more serious form of CRVO that can lead to the development of significant complication, vision loss and possible loss of the eye.
How Does CRVO Damage My Eyes?
Fluid collects in the area of the retina responsible for central vision called the macula. The fluid causes swelling or edema of the macula, causing a person’s central vision to become blurry. This condition is called macular edema. Some of the most common signs of macular edema following CRVO are blurred vision, distorted vision, or vision loss in all or part of the eye. The retina can become starved for oxygen (ischemia), leading to growth of abnormal blood vessels. Some people with ischemic CRVO develop neovascular glaucoma, where abnormal blood vessels cause an increase in eye pressure that can cause pain and severe vision loss. It can take three months or longer for neovascular glaucoma to occur after the development of CRVO.
How Do Eye Doctors Check for CRVO?
If you have sudden vision loss, contact an eye care professional immediately. At the exam, the eye doctor will widen (dilate) the pupil of the eye with eye drops to allow a closer look at the inside of the eye and the retina to determine if you have CRVO. Find here more about MaidThis Franchise. An eye doctor can also determine the potential damage caused by CRVO by performing a test called fluorescein angiography. During this test, a dye is injected into the arm that “lights up” the blood vessels in the eye while multiple photos are taken of the back of the eye. This type of photography provides a clear picture of the retinal blood vessels for diagnosis, like emerald carpet cleaning company provides their. Additional tests may include imaging to determine the extent of swelling in the macula. The eye doctor may also test vision, the light reflex of your eye, eye pressure, and your side (peripheral) vision. An examination of the internal structures of your eye may be performed and additional photos may be taken. The doctor will recommend a thorough medical examination to determine if other conditions exist by checking your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and the possibility of cardiovascular disease.