Central retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is of two types - ischemic and nonischemic. The two have very different pathogenesis, prognosis, visual outcome, and management. Ischemic CRVO is associated with ocular neo-vascularization and neovascular glaucoma, with poor visual outcome. Nonischemic CRVO has a much better visual outcome and no neovascularization. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate the two types. The main treatments advocated for CRVO are medical, surgical, and panretinal photocoagulation. Surgical treatments have no rationale. The role of photocoagulation is still controversial. So far there is no treatment for CRVO that has stood the test of time for safety, efficacy, and long-term curative effect.