Retinal vascular occlusions occur when blood flow to the retina is blocked, leading to sudden and potentially severe vision loss. There are two main types: retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). RAO involves a blockage in the arteries supplying blood to the retina, with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) generally having a worse prognosis than branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). RVO, on the other hand, occurs when the veins responsible for draining blood from the retina become blocked, leading to bleeding, swelling, and reduced blood supply to the retina. Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) are the primary forms of RVO, with CRVO often presenting a more severe risk of vision loss.

Symptoms and Risk Factors
Common symptoms include sudden vision loss, blurry or distorted vision, and, in some cases, a dark area or "shadow" in the field of vision. Risk factors for retinal vascular occlusions include age (typically over 50), high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, atherosclerosis, and smoking. In younger patients, additional tests may be needed to rule out underlying clotting or inflammatory conditions.

Treatment by Our Retina Specialist
Our retina specialist treats retinal vascular occlusions using advanced techniques such as anti-VEGF injections to reduce swelling, steroid injections for long-term management, and laser treatments to address abnormal blood vessel growth and prevent complications like neovascular glaucoma. In severe cases, surgery such as a vitrectomy may be necessary to remove blood from the eye and stabilize vision. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving outcomes and preserving as much vision as possible.

Flashes and Floaters

Floaters are small specks or cobweb-like shadows that drift across your field of vision. They are caused by tiny clumps of cells, pigment, or gel matrix within the eye's vitreous gel. While floaters are often harmless, a sudden increase in floaters—especially accompanied by flashes of light—may indicate a more serious issue, such as a retinal tear or detachment. Most floaters settle on their own, but in severe cases, our retina specialist may recommend a vitrectomy to remove them and improve vision.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)

PVD occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks and pulls away from the retina, a natural part of aging for most people by age 70. Symptoms may include flashes of light, floaters, or, in rare cases, a shadow or curtain over the vision. While PVD itself often requires no treatment, if it leads to a retinal tear, our retina specialist may recommend laser therapy or cryopexy (freezing treatment) to secure the retina and prevent detachment.

Vitreomacular Traction (VMT)

VMT happens when part of the vitreous remains stuck to the macula during a PVD, causing tension that can damage the macula and lead to vision loss. Symptoms include distorted vision, wavy lines, and objects appearing smaller than they are. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may only require monitoring, while more severe cases may necessitate a vitrectomy to relieve the traction and restore normal vision.

The Importance of Seeing our Retina Specialist

Early detection and treatment can prevent more serious complications and help preserve your vision. If you experience new or worsening symptoms, it is important to see Dr. Kang right away.