Condition

Retinal Vein Occlusion

Also known as Retinal Vein Blockage, Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion, CRVO, BRVO, Eye Vein Stroke

Updated May 16, 2026For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage in a vein at the back of the eye. It can cause sudden blur, bleeding, and swelling, but treatment can often help.

A retinal vein occlusion happens when blood cannot drain well from the retina. Pressure builds in the blocked vein, and blood or fluid can leak into the retina 1.

The main symptom is blurry or missing vision in one eye. It may happen suddenly or over several days.

Eye injections that block vascular endothelial growth factor can reduce swelling in the macula. The macula is the center part of the retina used for reading and faces 1.

How It Is Diagnosed

A retina specialist looks for the pattern of bleeding and swelling.

  • Dilated exam. The doctor checks the back of the eye.
  • Retina scan. Imaging shows fluid at the macula.
  • Dye test. This can show slow blood flow or closed vessels.
  • Eye pressure check. Glaucoma can raise risk and can also follow severe cases.

Your doctor may also ask your primary care doctor to check blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and clotting risks 1.

Treatment

Treatment depends on swelling, blood flow, and pressure in the eye.

  • Anti-growth-factor injections. These shots reduce macular swelling.
  • Steroid medicine. Steroid shots or implants may help some eyes.
  • Laser. Laser treats abnormal new blood vessels or selected swelling.
  • Pressure care. Glaucoma drops may be needed if eye pressure rises.

A large review found strong evidence for injection treatment when retinal vein occlusion causes macular swelling 1.

Whole-Body Health

A vein occlusion is an eye problem, but it often points to blood vessel risks elsewhere.

  • Check blood pressure. High blood pressure is common in people with vein occlusion.
  • Review diabetes and cholesterol. Better control protects the other eye and the body.
  • Stop smoking. Smoking harms blood vessels.
  • Ask about sleep apnea. Snoring and daytime sleepiness may matter.

Young patients or people with repeated clots may need a more detailed medical workup.

Common Questions About Retinal Vein Occlusion

It is sometimes called an eye vein stroke. It is a blocked vein in the retina, not the same as a brain stroke.

Next Steps

  1. 1Call an eye doctor urgently for sudden new blur or dark vision in one eye.
  2. 2Ask whether a retina scan shows macular swelling.
  3. 3Review blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol with your primary care doctor.
  4. 4Keep every injection and monitoring visit if treatment is started.

Find specialists for Retinal Vein Occlusion

Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Retinal Vein Occlusion.

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