In some cases, circulatory disorders may lead to the occlusion of a retinal vein in the eye. Such occlusion results in congestion that may in turn lead to hemorrhages in the retina and the development of edema. Such changes may lead to irreversible damage of the photoreceptor cells. Depending on the blood vessel affected, the disorder is referred to as either a branch vein occlusion or a central vein occlusion.

: In the case of a branch vein occlusion, the main complication is a swelling at the centre of the retina, the so-called “macula”. This may lead to impaired eyesight which patients experience as distorted or blurred vision. In some cases, severe circulation obstructions in the affected area of the retina may lead to neovascularization, which, if left untreated, may have effects ranging from vitreous hemorrhage to retinal detachment.

In the case of central vein occlusion, hemorrhages are spread out over the entire retina. In addition, swelling of the macula may occur. One serious complication is neovascularization, i.e. the growth of new vessels, which develops primarily in the area of the iris and the drainage area of the aqueous humour known as the “iridocorneal angle”. Such changes can lead to very high intraocular pressure.

Treatment is indispensable in cases of macular edema or severe ischemia, and neovascularization.

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