Retinal Vascular Occlusions

If you have diabetes or heart disease, you’re more likely to experience retinal vascular occlusions that can increase your risk of vision loss. At Retina Consultants of Muncie in Muncie, Indiana, vitreoretinal ophthalmologist Jeffrey Rapkin, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating retinal vascular occlusions. If you’re concerned about vision loss, call Retina Consultants of Muncie today to make an appointment or book online. 

What is a retinal vascular occlusion?

A retinal vascular occlusion (or retinal vein occlusion) occurs when one of the arteries that supply blood to your retina becomes clogged or blocked by a blood clot.

Your retina collects light and organizes it into visual information that’s then interpreted by your brain.

If the arteries that supply your retina become clogged, oxygen and nutrients can’t reach the back of your eye. Without intervention and treatment, the lack of blood flow causes permanent retinal damage, resulting in vision loss.

What are the types of retinal vascular occlusions?

At Retina Consultants of Muncie, Dr. Rapkin treats both types of retinal occlusions:

Central retinal vascular occlusions

This type of occlusion occurs in the main vein that supplies your retina with blood. 

Branch retinal vascular occlusions

This type of occlusion occurs in one of the smaller branch veins that also supply your retina.

No matter the type of occlusion you have, treatment is vital to preserving your vision.

What are the symptoms of retinal vascular occlusions?

Retinal vascular occlusions affect everyone differently. Sometimes, the condition causes sudden and immediate vision loss. But other times, it develops slowly and presents mild side effects, like blurry vision. 

The easiest way to catch the issue early on is to schedule annual eye exams, especially if you have diabetes or another underlying medical issue that increases your risk of vision loss.

How are retinal vascular occlusions diagnosed?

Dr. Rapkin reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a comprehensive eye exam. Then, he orders several additional tests, including:

Optical coherence tomography 

This imaging procedure takes cross-sectional photos of your eyes, allowing Dr. Rapkin to see your retina, macula, and other structures at the back of your eye. It can also identify vein blockages and help guide treatment.

Ophthalmoscopy

Dr. Rapkin uses a tool called an ophthalmoscope to examine your retina and the other structures at the back of your eye. With this process, changes caused by retinal vascular occlusions are easier to identify.

Dr. Rapkin uses the results of these tests to make treatment recommendations.

How are retinal vascular occlusions treated?

At Retina Consultants of Muncie, Dr. Rapkin offers minimally invasive treatments for retinal vascular occlusions. He may recommend:

• Intravitreal injections of corticosteroids
• Injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medicines
• Focal laser therapy
• Pan-retinal photocoagulation therapy

It may take a series of treatments, depending on the severity of your retinal vascular occlusions.

Call Retina Consultants of Muncie today to explore the treatments for retinal vascular occlusions, or book online.