Retinal Vein Occlusion Occurs when the circulation of a retinal vein becomes obstructed by an adjacent blood vessel, causing hemorrhages in the retina. Swelling and ischemia (lack of oxygen) of the retina as well as glaucoma are fairly common complications. The visual symptoms can vary in severity from one person to the next, and are dependent on whether the central retinal vein or a branch retinal vein is involved. Patients who experience a branch vein occlusion often notice a gradual improvement in their vision as the hemorrhage resolves. Recovery from a central vein occlusion is much less likely since it affects the macula. This problem appears equally in males and females and is more common after the age of 60 Top ^ CSR Central serous chorioretinopathy is a retinal condition in which fluid elevates or “detaches” a small portion of the macula. The leakage is thought to come from the choroid, the layer of blood vessels beneath the retina, through a defect in the tissue layer separating the retina and the choroid called the retinal pigment epithelium, or RPE. The RPE normally prevents fluid from the choroidal circulation from leaking under the retina and “pumps” excess fluid out of the retina. For unknown reasons, small pinpoint areas of the RPE become defective in one or both eyes. Fluid builds up under the retina in this area causing the distortion noted by patients. The leakage does not emanate from abnormal blood vessels such as in diabetes or abnormal forming blood vessels such as in macular degeneration. CSR effects mostly men (85-90%) between the ages of 25 and 45. A second “peak” can occur later in life. Patients tend to be slightly hyperopic (farsighted), but there is no association with any other eye or systemic disease. The disease tends to be found in patients with “Type A” personality, who tend to be more nervous or stressed. The disease can also be precipitated by oral, inhaled or nasal steroids, severe hypertension, collagen vascular disease, blood disorders, and organ transplant. Top ^ Age Related Macular Degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative aging process of the retina which damages the eyesight of 13 million Americans. AMD occurs most frequently in persons over age 55. In fact, it is the most common cause of severe vision loss in this age group. Depending on the type of macular degeneration, there may be few options for treating the disease. But the good news is: numerous studies and research are being conducted that will, hopefully, offer more solutions in the future. Top ^

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