Reviewed by Brian R. Robinson, MDRetinal vein occlusion falls under the general category of retinal vessel occlusion, or blockage, of blood supply to the retina. It occurs as a result of blood clot formation or loose fat deposits or atherosclerotic plaques in either the arteries or veins connected to the retina. The retina is a special light-sensitive tissue layer in the back of the eye. Blockage of blood supply, thus, can lead to permanent vision loss. This condition is more common in adults and occurs as a side effect of other associated illnesses, including glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, coagulation (blood clotting) diseases, arteriosclerosis , and hyperlipidemia.
There is also a risk of stroke as a clot blocking the retinal vein could dislodge and travel to the brain where it can block another vein.
