The following Investigations help us visualise the blockage, see the areas of non-perfusion and also document the state of the retina and the macula:

• Comprehensive dilated retina exam 

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A useful non-invasive diagnostic test that takes a high definition image of the retina. It’s used to monitor the progress of your RVO .

• Fluorescein Angiography: allows us to visualise the retinal blood vessels with a dye injected in the vessels of the arm.

• OCT angiography: For Detailed analysis of retinal vasculature and also helps to decide the prognosis of the RVO.

• Fundus Photo: A picture of the retina may be taken to record and monitor the condition of the retina. This may be a normal field or wide field photograph.

• ECG, Blood tests -We may also suggest a follow up with a cardiologist, monitoring of your blood pressure and blood tests to rule out clotting disorders.

There is currently no way to re-open a blocked vessel in the eye. The treatment is aimed at problems which may arise as a result of the venous occlusion and which can cause loss of eyesight if not treated- macular edema, retinal neovascularisation and glaucoma.

• Lifestyle modification: This is essential to help control the underlying cause of the RVO. Diabetes, high blood pressure etc must be brought under control.

• Intravitreal injections: Help in treating macular edema associated with venous occlusions. These may need to be repeated frequently depending on the patient's response to therapy.Various Anti-VEGF injections are Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea and steroid implant, Ozurdex.

• Laser photocoagulation: May help in patients with abnormal blood vessel proliferation or areas of non-perfusion.

• MIVS: This is microincision vitrectomy surgery done in advanced cases where sudden drop of vision occurs due to vitreous haemorrhage

• Regular follow up is essential to monitor the disease process.

Usually, retinal vein occlusion is caused by an underlying medical condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. So it’s important to

1. Control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels

2. Maintain a healthy weight

3. Avoid smoking

4. Exercise regularly

5. Eat a healthy diet

6. Have regular eye exams if you have any systemic risk factors so that we can detect and treat RVO early if it occurs.

Some people with hypercoagulable blood conditions or those on certain medications like birth control pills should also be in regular touch with their doctors to prevent retinal vein occlusion.