Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Basics

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

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