Retinal Vein Occlusions

Retinal vein occlusion, known as RVO, is a complex and serious eye condition that can cause loss of vision in part or all of the eye. It occurs when there is a blockage within the small veins of the eye and is one of the most common reasons why people lose their eyesight. The retina is a part of the eye that is responsible for taking light images and converting them to nerve signals, which are then sent to the brain. The small web of veins that carry blood away from the retina is an important process that keeps the retina healthy. A blockage of any type or size in any of these veins is usually a result of the hardening or thickening of the arteries in the retina. This can be a serious problem if not diagnosed early and treated properly. Board-certified Ocala, FL retinal surgeon, Dr. Shalesh Kaushal, treats RVO and offers various options so that vision can be restored. Even though RVO is considered a serious disorder, Dr. Kaushal is highly trained and experienced with all aspects of retinal disease and can effectively work with patients who have retinal vein occlusion.

The primary cause of RVO is a hardening or thickening of the veins of the retina, which can lead to a blockage. This hardening is known as atherosclerosis and can can lead to a blood clot. While RVO is usually a rarer type of retinal disease, it is commonly seen among patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, macular edema, as well as a number of other existing eye conditions. Symptoms of retinal vein occlusion often occur suddenly, with the patient experiencing a sudden blurring of vision or vision loss in either part of the eye or the entire eye. Dr. Kaushal will perform a number of diagnostic exams to confirm if the condition is RVO, and then develop a treatment plan depending on the severity and complexity of the condition.

RVO is a retinal disease that is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam performed by Dr. Kaushal. He will do a thorough vision and pressure check, as well as examine the surface of the retina. If RVO is suspected, he will use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to help get a high-definition look at the veins and vessels surrounding the retina. This will allow him to see if a blockage is occurring. He will most likely dilate the eyes during this process. By dilating the pupils, the retina can be better examined. Other forms of diagnostic testing include a slit lamp exam, which is a test microscope with high-intensity light that looks at various structures in the front of the eye, as well as fluorescein angiography, a procedure that injects a fluorescent dye into the bloodstream so a better view of the retina can be achieved when pictures of the blood vessels are taken. Dr. Kaushal offers the most advanced diagnostic tools and using one or a combination of these exams can diagnose and stage RVO for his patients.

While retina specialists know that RVO is caused by a blockage in the vein, there is no known method to reverse the damage or blockage. The key is to begin treatment immediately to ensure another blockage doesn’t occur. There are several ways to treat the complications caused by RVO. When macular edema (a buildup of fluid in the central part of the retina) is present, focal laser treatment can be used to treat the condition. Laser treatment can be used to prevent glaucoma by stopping the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Dr. Kaushal can also inject a drug into the eye to prevent the growth of additional blood vessels that can lead to glaucoma.

Dr. Kaushal will work with patients to ensure they maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. For patients who have chronic illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure, regular checkups are necessary to help keep complications or future problems at a minimum. While some patients will regain some vision without treatment, it’s important to seek medical assistance when experiencing vision problems.

Dr. Kaushal works with patients to diagnose and treat RVO. Retinal vein occlusion, if found early, can be treated so that further blockage of the veins to the retina do not progress and cause further damage. Our Ocala, FL practice, Comprehensive Retina Consultants, is equipped to diagnose and treat this retinal condition with a variety of treatments to provide you with the most effective outcome and prognosis possible. Please give our clinic a call to schedule your appointment and meet with Dr. Kaushal.