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Vein Occlusions services offered in Fairfax, VA
Retinal vein occlusion is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy. At Fairfax Cataract and Retina in Fairfax, Virginia, board-certified ophthalmologist Mehrine Shaikh, MD, detects and treats vein occlusion to enhance vision and lessen the risk of complications. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaikh by phone or book online today at the first sign of vision irregularities.
What is retinal vein occlusion?
The retina is a tissue layer in the back of your eye that transforms light into images. Retinal vein occlusion is a blocked small blood vessel in your eye that carries blood away from the retina. This blockage prevents blood from leaving the retina, which can cause problematic swelling and pressure in your eye.
Vein occlusion can lead to blurred vision and even vision loss when left untreated. Early detection and treatment of vein occlusion can save your eyesight. See Dr. Shaikh at Fairfax Cataract and Retina at the first sign of a problem. She offers treatments that manage complications and protect your vision.
What are the symptoms of retinal vein occlusion?
Retinal vein occlusion can cause:
- Floaters
- Eye pain
- Eye pressure
- Blurred vision
- Dark spots in your vision
- Vision loss
Vision problems due to vein occlusion may develop gradually over the course of hours or days — or appear suddenly. Even if you don’t experience symptoms right away, Dr. Shaikh can detect vein occlusion during a comprehensive eye exam.
What are the risk factors for vein occlusion?
Factors that increase the risk of vein occlusion include:
- Slowed blood flow
- Blood clots
- Disruption of normal blood flow
- Retinal vein compression
- Plaque buildup in veins
- Being over 40
- Diabetes
- Atherosclerosis
- Glaucoma
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- History of retinal vein occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion affects more than 16 million people. It increases the risk of macular swelling, abnormal blood vessel formation, bleeding in the eye, dangerous pressure inside your eye, and retinal detachment (the pulling away of the retina from supporting tissues).
How is retinal vein occlusion diagnosed?
Dr. Shaikh diagnoses retinal vein occlusion after completing a comprehensive eye examination, vision screening, and retinal imaging tests. She also reviews your medical history and may consult with your primary care doctor to pinpoint potential causes of blood flow irregularities.
How is retinal vein occlusion treated?
Dr. Shaikh offers the following treatments for retinal vein occlusion:
- Steroid injections
- Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections
- Medications
- Panretinal photocoagulation (laser treatment)
- Surgery to remove vitreous humor and repair retinal damage
It’s also vital to effectively manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. While there’s no cure, Dr. Shaikh helps prevent or treat complications and avoid worsening vision problems.
Ways to minimize the risk of retinal vein occlusion include attending routine eye exams, eating a heart-healthy diet supporting blood vessel health, maintaining an ideal body weight, exercising regularly, and not smoking.
Schedule a retinal vein occlusion screening at Fairfax Cataract and Retina by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.