Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion occurs when the circulation of a retinal vein becomes obstructed by an adjacent blood vessel, causing hemorrhages in the retina. Swelling and ischemia (lack of oxygen) of the retina as well as glaucoma are fairly common complications.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Sudden onset
• Blurred or missing area of vision (if a branch vein is involved)
• Severe loss of central vision (if a central vein is involved)
• More common after age 60 (males and females)

DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS
Vein occlusion is diagnosed by examining the retina with an ophthalmoscope. Fluorescein angiography may be performed in some cases to study the circulation of the retina and to determine the extent of macular edema or swelling.