RETINAL VASCULAR DISORDERS
If you are experiencing blurred vision, you may be having retinal vascular disorders.
What are Retinal Vascular Disorders?
Retinal vascular disorders refer to a range of eye diseases that affect the blood vessels in the eye. These conditions are linked to existing vascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and artherosclerosis (thickening of the artery walls). The most common Retinal Vascular Disorders are:
• Hypertensive Retinopathy
• Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
• Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
• Diabetic Retinopathy (Find out more about Diabetic Retinopathy)
High blood pressure (hypertension) causes the blood vessels in the eye to narrow, leak and harden over time as these vessels are subjected to continued excessive blood pressure. In some cases, this can cause the optic nerve to swell and result in vision problems. (
Find out how the eye works)
What are the symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy?
There are few obvious symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy, but in some cases, there is vision loss or headaches.
What are the risk factors for Hypertensive Retinopathy?
Risks of hypertensive retinopathy is chronic hypertension or high blood pressure which puts the blood vessels under a prolonged state of abnormal pressure.
What treatments are available for Hypertensive Retinopathy?
A major aim of treatment is to prevent and limit damage to the eye and target organs by addressing the root cause -- hypertension -- through medication and lifestyle changes. The eye is a prime target for complications due to high blood pressure and damage can be seen at very early stages. As such,
regular eye examinations play an important role in preventing vision loss.
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common vascular disorder where the vein becomes narrowed or obstructed (occluded). RVO is one of the most frequent causes of blindness after
diabetic retinopathy. There are two main types of RVO. A Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) that happens in the retinal vein at the optic nerve is called a
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). About 90 per cent of CRVO occurs in those aged 50 and above. An obstruction at a branch of the retinal vein is referred to as
Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO). BRVO accounts for some 30 per cent of all vein blockages.
What are the symptoms of RVO?
The obstruction to the blood flow in the optic nerve by a RVO can cause blurring of vision or visual loss. These symptoms range from mild to severe and can either occur suddenly or gradually over time. In some cases there might be pain and blindness in the affected eye. Because of the threat to vision, regular eye examinations are important to pick up the problem early. An eye examination for RVO usually includes a range of vision tests to check vision accuracy and some investigations to study the eye itself and the presence of swelling or blockages.
What are the risk factors of Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)?
Some risk factors of RVO are:
• Hypertension
• Diabetes mellitus
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Bleeding or clotting disorders
• Vasculitis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Primary open-angle glaucoma or close-angle glaucoma (Find out more about glaucoma)
What kinds of treatments are available for RVO?
RVO is usually treated in two ways. The first is to identify and treat any underlying medical problems that cause the condition. Laser treatment is used to address complications associated with RVO. In some cases where there is macula swelling. Injections into the vitreous cavity can help to reduce the swelling.
What is a Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)?
A Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) is a blockage of the central retinal artery -- the main blood vessel that brings blood and oxygen to the eye. This is a very serious condition that requires emergency treatment. When the main source of oxygen to the eye is blocked permanent damage can occur. When the blockage occurs in one of the branches of the central retinal artery, it is called a
Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO).
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Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
What are the symptoms of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)?
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) presents as a sudden loss of vision in the affected eye.
What are the risk factors for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)?
Risks of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) include smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, coronary heart disease + a history of stroke. About 75 per cent of CRAO cases occur in those with hypertension or blocked arteries in the heart.