An occlusion of one of the blood vessels inside the eye is, simply put, a form of stroke of the eye. The risk factors for occlusion of blood vessels in the retina are very similar to those of stroke: high blood pressure, high blood lipids etc. The most important step in the management of retinal artery or vein occlusions is therefore the management of the underlying medical condition. Ophthalmic imaging, such as coloured fundus photography, Optical Coherence Tomography and Fluorescence Angiography may be requested to determine the severity and propose a management plan. Management may include:
– Observing the eye to see in mild cases
– Injection of certain pharmaceuticals inside the eye to reduce swelling of the retina and retinal bleeding
– Laser treatment of the retina to reduce bleeding in the retinal
– Pars plana vitrectomy surgery, to restore vision, when there is massive bleeding inside the eye.
