Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Description

Disease characterized by decreased visual acuity resulting from venous occlusion of any etiology

Etiology

• Ischemic CRVO:
  • 20–25% of cases
  • Blocked venous return leads to backflow in capillaries, hemorrhage, and macular edema
  • Limited space at lamina cribrosa predisposes to thrombosis due to slow flow and vessel wall changes
  • Theorize that arteriosclerotic changes in the adjacent artery may impinge upon the vein
  • Blood viscosity also thought to play a role
• Nonischemic CRVO:
  • Milder, incomplete occlusion