VISION CARE IN PAPHOS

Retinal Vein Occlusion Treatment in Paphos

A retinal vein occlusion occurs when one of the veins that drains blood from the retina becomes blocked. Depending on which vein is affected and whether macular oedema develops, patients may notice sudden or gradual changes in central or peripheral vision. For retinal vein occlusion in Paphos, Dr Valentina Stavrou provides prompt assessment, OCT retinal imaging, and treatment including intravitreal injections where indicated.

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What is a retinal vein occlusion?

The retina is supplied by a network of arteries and drained by veins. When one of these veins becomes blocked — typically at a point where it crosses an artery — blood and fluid can back up into the retina. The extent of vision change depends on which vein is affected and whether fluid accumulates in the macula.

Retinal vein occlusion is one of the more common causes of sudden vision change in adults and requires timely assessment to determine whether treatment is needed.

Branch and central retinal vein occlusion

There are two main types, classified by which vein is involved.

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) — a smaller vein in one part of the retina is blocked. This typically causes vision change in a sector of the visual field. Central vision may be affected if oedema involves the macula.
Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) — the main vein draining the entire retina is blocked. This tends to cause more widespread retinal changes and a more significant impact on central vision. CRVO generally carries a higher risk of complications including neovascularisation.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically come on suddenly, though the degree of vision change varies widely.

sudden blurring of vision, often in part of the visual field
distortion or a dark area in central vision if the macula is involved
an overall reduction in vision clarity
in some cases, the change may be noticed only when covering one eye

Any sudden unexplained change in vision should be assessed promptly. See also sudden vision loss and when to see an eye doctor.

Assessment and imaging

Diagnosis is based on dilated retinal examination combined with OCT imaging, which detects macular oedema and quantifies retinal thickness changes. Additional investigations may include:

OCT imaging to assess macular oedema — central to treatment decisions
fundus photography to document the extent of retinal changes
review of blood pressure and systemic risk factors
blood tests when indicated to assess for underlying conditions

Comparing OCT findings over successive visits is important for monitoring response to treatment and deciding when to continue, pause, or change therapy.

Treatment with intravitreal injections

When retinal vein occlusion causes macular oedema, intravitreal injections are the main treatment. Anti-VEGF medications reduce retinal fluid and can meaningfully improve or stabilise central vision in many patients.

Treatment response is monitored closely with OCT imaging at each visit. Some patients require ongoing injections over many months, while others achieve stable vision with fewer treatments. More information about the injection procedure and what to expect is available on the retinal care and injections page.

Risk factors and systemic assessment

Retinal vein occlusion is strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Identifying and managing these is an important part of long-term care.

high blood pressure — the most common associated risk factor
diabetes and impaired glucose regulation
high cholesterol
increasing age
in younger patients, clotting disorders or inflammatory conditions may need investigation

Ophthalmology findings are often coordinated with the patient's GP or cardiologist when systemic review is indicated.

Monitoring and follow-up

Even after macular oedema has resolved and treatment has been completed, follow-up remains important. Retinal vein occlusion can be complicated by neovascularisation — abnormal new vessel growth that requires monitoring and, if detected, treatment. Regular review allows timely detection of recurrence or new complications.

Retinal vein occlusion

Next steps and related care

When to seek urgent assessment

Sudden vision change, a dark shadow or curtain across any part of the visual field, or a significant new reduction in vision should be assessed promptly. Early evaluation allows treatment to begin sooner, which generally produces better outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions about retinal vein occlusion

What causes a retinal vein occlusion?

Retinal vein occlusion is often associated with cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and increasing age. It can also occur in younger patients, in which case other causes such as clotting disorders may be investigated. Assessment includes both ophthalmic evaluation and a review of systemic risk factors.

Will my vision recover after a retinal vein occlusion?

Visual outcomes vary significantly depending on the type of occlusion, whether macular oedema is present, and how promptly treatment is given. Some patients recover much of their central vision with treatment; others have residual visual change. Early assessment and treatment of macular oedema generally produces better outcomes.

What is the treatment for retinal vein occlusion?

When retinal vein occlusion causes macular oedema, intravitreal injections are the main treatment. These aim to reduce retinal fluid and improve or stabilise central vision. Laser treatment may be used in selected cases. Management of underlying systemic risk factors is also an important part of care.

Can a retinal vein occlusion happen again?

Recurrence in the same eye is possible, and patients who have had one occlusion are at somewhat higher risk of an occlusion in the other eye. This is one reason why addressing underlying cardiovascular risk factors and maintaining regular follow-up is important.