Vein & Artery Occlusions
Vein and Artery Occlusions involve a blockage (occlusion) of a retinal vessel and are named according to the location and type of retinal vessel in which the blockage occurs.
Retinal Artery Occlusions
Artery Occlusions are very serious and result in sudden onset vision loss or transient vision loss. Patients who experience an occlusion of a retinal artery should undergo urgent evaluation for possible stroke.
- CRAO – Central Retinal Artery Occlusion, a blockage of the main artery supply of blood to the retina
- BRAO – Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion, a blockage of a branch of the central retinal artery
Retinal Vein Occlusions
Vein Occlusions are usually less acute in nature, causing blurring, distortion, or floaters in the vision. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly, but untreated complications due to impaired retinal blood flow can put a patient at high risk for severe vision loss.
- CRVO – Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, a blockage of the main retinal vein moving blood away from the retina
- BRVO – Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion, a blockage of a major branch of the central retinal vein
Learn More (BRVO) Learn More (CRVO)
