| Central retinal vein occlusion | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Diagram of the eye; retinal vein is number 21. | |
| Specialty | Ophthalmology  |
Central retinal vein occlusion, alsoCRVO, is when thecentral retinal vein becomes occluded, usually throughthrombosis. The central retinal vein is the venous equivalent of thecentral retinal artery and both may become occluded.[1] Since the central retinal artery and vein are the sole source of blood supply and drainage for theretina, such occlusion can lead to severe damage to the retina and blindness, due toischemia (restriction in blood supply) andedema (swelling).[2]
CRVO can causeocular ischemic syndrome. Nonischemic CRVO is the milder form of the disease. It may progress to the more severe ischemic type.[3] CRVO can also causeglaucoma.
Despite the role of thrombosis in the development of CRVO, a systematic review found no increased prevalence ofthrombophilia (an inherent propensity to thrombosis) in patients with retinal vascular occlusion.[4]
Treatment consists of Anti-VEGF drugs likeLucentis or intravitreal steroid implant (Ozurdex) and Pan-Retinal Laser Photocoagulation usually. Underlying conditions also require treatment. CRVO withoutischemia has better visual prognosis than ischemic CRVO.
A systematic review studied the effectiveness of the anti-VEGF drugsranibizumab andpagatanib sodium for patients with non-ischemic CRVO.[5] Though there was a limited sample size, participants in both treatment groups showed improved visual acuity over 6 month periods, with no safety concerns.[5]