Retinal vein occlusion happens when a blockage develops in a retinal vein at the back of the eye. The blockage itself can't be removed, but complications, such as swelling in the macular, can be treated to prevent any further vision loss.
Symptoms of retinal vein occlusion include blurred vision, a blind spot in your central vision, or loss of vision. The symptoms can develop quickly. It isn't normally painful unless you have complications like abnormal new blood vessels leading to glaucoma. You can learn more about the symptoms on the Moorfields Eye Hospital website.
Although there is a risk to your central vision in the affected eye, it's possible to adapt and continue enjoying daily life with retinal vein occlusion.
Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) occurs when the main vein in the retina at the back of the eye becomes blocked. Central retinal vein occlusion can cause severe loss of vision because it affects the macula at the centre of the retina.
Central retinal vein occlusion normally affects one eye and is painless unless you develop complications. The blockage can't be unblocked, but complications can be treated to prevent further loss of vision. Your ophthalmologist will also discuss risk factors that you can manage to limit the chance of central retinal vein occlusion happening in the other eye.
Everyone with retinal vein occlusion will need regular follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to detect any complications which may need treatment. All treatments come with potential risks and side effects, and the right decision for you will depend on your diagnosis and circumstances. Your ophthalmologist will discuss the pros and cons of treatments with you, including the option to have your condition monitored rather than treated.
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Some practical ideas to help make the most of your vision include:
You'll probably need regular treatment for retinal vein occlusion, with follow-up appointments over several years. It's a good idea to speak to your employer about your diagnosis. They should make reasonable adjustments for you, such as giving you time to attend appointments.
If you develop vision problems in the affected eye, which is often the case with central retinal vein occlusion, you could still work with some adjustments. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to help you. You may need to explain the kind of things that could help, such as large print materials or products, such as keyboards and phones, or screen reader technology.
The Access to Work scheme also gives grants to employers for equipment or services you need to work. Grants could pay for a support worker, transport for getting to and from work, and more.
The DVLA has minimum standards of vision for driving. Their eyesight rules cover both visual acuity and field of vision. Retinal vein occlusion typically affects one eye. If the sight in your unaffected eye meets the required standard, you don't need to tell the DVLA. If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your ophthalmologist for advice.
Being diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion can be a worrying time. You're likely to be facing a lot of follow-up appointments for treatment over a long time. You may feel nervous about the possibility of complications. And, especially with central retinal vein occlusion, you may have to deal with visual loss in the affected eye.
Try talking to family and friends about your feelings. They may support you better if they understand how you feel. It can also help to speak to other people who've had retinal vein occlusion. Contact us to find out how we can connect you with others.
If you're dealing with central vision loss, there are tips and products, support and services to help you be as independent as possible and continue with a good quality of life. Your ophthalmologist or eye clinic may refer you for a low vision assessment to explore the useful vision you have and the visual aids that will make the most of it. Local social services can support you in keeping safe at home and getting around safely if sight loss affects your mobility.
You can contact us to find out about services and support tailored to your individual needs.
Retinal vein occlusion normally affects one eye rather than both. Even with loss of vision in the affected eye, if you have good vision in the other eye, you may not be classed as having a disability. If your overall level of visual acuity and field of vision using both eyes are significantly affected, you may be able to register as sight impaired. Your ophthalmologist can help with this.
If vision impairment affects day to day life, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help with the extra costs of living with a disability.
Flying is not thought to make retinal vein occlusion worse. However, if you have anti-VEGF injections or other treatments, ask your ophthalmologist for advice. They may suggest waiting to see whether you develop any side effects before travelling. It's also a good idea to check your travel insurer has up to date medical information for you.
Guide Dogs is committed to working alongside people with a range of vision impairments, who are registered as either sight-impaired or severely sight-impaired.
Our staff undergo comprehensive training in supporting individuals with vision impairment, to enable us to support you every step of the way through one of our many services, with and without dogs. We foster knowledge of living with vision impairment and create content in collaboration with our Vision Rehabilitation Specialists and Habilitation Specialists.
This content is periodically reviewed as we continue to embrace new knowledge and up-to-date information, in order to improve how we deliver our services and advice.
Please note: Whilst Guide Dogs may be able to suggest various third-party websites which may be able to assist you, those are not endorsed by Guide Dogs. Guide Dogs have no control over those third parties and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information and support they can provide or the suitability and quality of any products or services they provide.
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