Retinal Vein Occlusion
Intravitreal injection treatment is available.
Written & reviewed by
Dr. Atsushi MekadaBoard-certified Ophthalmologist, The Japanese Ophthalmological SocietyLast updated:
About Retinal Vein Occlusion
For anyone troubled by symptoms of retinal vein occlusion
A condition where a vein in the retina becomes blocked, disrupting blood flow and causing bleeding and swelling. It's often linked to risk factors for arteriosclerosis, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high lipids, and is most common in middle-aged and older adults. The extent and severity of vision impact depends on where the blockage occurs.
Symptoms
- Part of your vision looks dark (visual field defect)
- Distorted central vision (metamorphopsia)
- Overall blurring
- Sudden vision loss
- Vision suddenly worse upon waking
- History of high blood pressure or diabetes
Symptom characteristics: Depending on where the vein is blocked, part of your vision may look shadowed or dark. If swelling reaches the macula (the center of vision), straight lines may look wavy or distorted. Sudden vision loss is often noticed first thing in the morning — this is an urgent symptom, so please seek care as soon as possible.
Treatment
Treatment mainly aims to improve macular swelling (the main cause of vision loss) and prevent future complications such as abnormal new blood vessels.
- Medication (intravitreal injection)An anti-VEGF drug is injected into the eye to reduce swelling in the macula, the area most critical to vision. This is currently the primary treatment, often improving swelling and preserving or restoring vision relatively early. May be repeated periodically depending on symptoms.
- Laser treatment (photocoagulation)Laser is applied to areas of the retina where blood flow has been cut off (ischemic areas), sealing the tissue. This doesn't directly remove swelling, but mainly aims to prevent the growth of fragile abnormal blood vessels.
- Surgery (vitrectomy)Removal of the vitreous inside the eye. Used in more severe cases, such as when bleeding persists and blocks vision, or a strong membrane forms on the retina's surface.
Depending on your condition, we may refer you to a partner institution for laser photocoagulation or vitrectomy.
Ongoing Care
- Retinal vein occlusion tends to recur even after swelling resolves. Even without noticeable vision changes, continuing to visit as your doctor directs is the most important thing for protecting your future vision.
- This condition is often linked to underlying risk factors for arteriosclerosis, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high lipids. Alongside eye treatment, managing blood pressure, blood sugar and diet helps prevent onset or recurrence in the other eye.
- Coordinating with your primary care physician to manage your overall health is important.
A Note From the Director
Retinal vein occlusion isn't just an eye condition — it's closely connected to overall health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes. Alongside eye treatment, let's work together with your primary care physician to address the underlying causes.
Related Pages
Please note: The effects of the treatments described on this page vary between individuals, and no particular outcome is guaranteed. The severity and course of your condition will be explained by your doctor after examination.
Access, Appointments & Visiting Us
We do not take phone appointments for either first or follow-up visits. No appointment is needed — patients are seen in the order they arrive during our consultation hours. If a doctor determines during your visit that a detailed examination is needed, we will arrange the next appointment for you before you leave.
We welcome patients from Hikone and across Shiga Prefecture, as well as from Kyoto City, Takatsuki and Hirakata (Osaka), and the Nagoya (Aichi) area.