Understanding macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
Macular edema, a condition characterized by swelling in the central part of the retina (the macula), can significantly impair vision. This swelling is often caused by fluid leakage from retinal blood vessels, a common consequence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). RVO occurs when one of the veins responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes blocked, leading to increased pressure in the capillaries. This pressure causes fluid and blood to leak into the retina, resulting in macular edema. There are two primary types of RVO: branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), which affects smaller branches of the retinal vein, and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), which impacts the main retinal vein.
It is estimated that macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion affects 16 million individuals globally. Patients with macular edema due to RVO may experience symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision, dark spots or floaters, and in severe cases, a sudden loss of vision. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography.
