‘Retinal vascular occlusion is an eye emergency requiring swift treatment’

During the winter months, the risk of emergency medical conditions is increased due to blood clots that form in the blood vessels because of fluctuations in blood pressure.

Likewise, there is a risk of retinal vascular occlusion, an emergency medical condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the retina, which are important for vision, become blocked. If left untreated, retinal vascular occlusion can lead to blindness, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Certain groups of patients are particularly at risk for retinal vascular occlusion.

These people have systemic diseases that cause poor circulation, such as hypertension, diabetes, or arteriosclerosis.

Retinal arterial occlusion, which is a blockage of the retinal artery, the blood vessel that supplies blood to the retina, is caused by an embolus or blood clot. Retinal venous occlusion, which is a blockage of the retinal vein, the blood vessel that returns blood from the retina back to the heart, occurs at the junction of the retinal artery and vein, where the stiffened artery compresses the vein for various reasons, causing blood vortices and clots to form.

“Depending on the location and size of the blocked vessel, it is divided into central retinal artery occlusion, central retinal vein occlusion, branch retinal artery occlusion, and branch retinal vein occlusion,” said Professor Park Hyo-song of the Department of Ophthalmology at Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital Bucheon. “The disease is characterized by sudden onset, various complications, and rapid vision loss, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are important.”

The main symptoms of retinal vascular occlusion are sudden vision loss, visual field disturbances, and object distortion. In the case of retinal vein occlusion, delayed treatment can lead to complications such as macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage, glaucoma, and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss.

“Even if one eye can't see well, the other still functions, so the symptoms are often ignored. If you experience vision loss and it persists, it is important to seek prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment at a hospital,” Professor Park said.

Retinal vascular occlusions are diagnosed by identifying arterial and venous blockages using fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, or fluorescein angiography. However, it's important to note that retinal arterial occlusions may show few retinal changes in the early stages of the disease.

Treatment depends on which blood vessel is blocked. For retinal artery occlusions, treatment is often limited by the extent of the occlusion, but attempts are made to restore circulation by lowering the pressure in the eye.

Recently, its treatment has included thrombolytic therapy or surgery. Retinal vein occlusion is treated with intraocular injections, laser therapy, or surgery to treat major complications such as macular edema and vitreous hemorrhage and follow-up to prevent possible complications, including glaucoma.

Uncontrolled chronic diseases that cause poor blood circulation, including hypertension, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis, can also cause vascular obstruction in the eye. Therefore, it is important to recognize the warning signs of retinal vascular occlusion and get tested to evaluate and prevent life-threatening systemic diseases such as stroke and heart disease.

“There are cases of severe systemic diseases triggered by a vascular occlusion in the eye. Central retinal artery occlusions are associated with higher cardiovascular mortality than non-central retinal artery occlusions,” Professor Park said.

To prevent retinal vascular occlusions, people should avoid smoking, drink alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight. They should also manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including regular exercise and eating a fresher diet.

“Early detection and proper treatment of retinal vascular occlusion can minimize vision loss,” Park said. “Keeping chronic diseases, including hypertension and diabetes, under control and having regular eye examinations are key to prevention and early treatment. If you experience sudden changes in your vision, you should visit a doctor immediately.”