- Obstruction of the retinal venous drainage system usually due to a hardened artery pressing on the central retinal vein
- Associated high blood pressure (60%), Glaucoma (40%), Diabetes, Heart Disease, rarely Hypercoagulable States (conditions that cause blood to be thicker than normal)
- Major complications include new blood vessel growth and macular swelling
Management
- Medical evaluation with attention to cardiovascular system to treat underlying cause
- Ocular injection of anti-VEGF agent now standard of care
- Gonioscopy at each visit
- New blood vessel growth may require laser treatment