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Retinal Vein Occlusion

Eye Conditions | Last Active: Sep 21, 2023 | Replies (26)

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@retiredteacher

@ashby1947 Good morning, I am Carol, a retired teacher, and it is my husband who has this eye condition. The onset followed the symptoms to the letter. He had his yearly eye exam already scheduled and when he had to read the chart, he discovered he could not see it. Once all the basic tests were done, the specialist started running more tests, and that's when the retinal vein occlusion appeared to be the problem. The doctor showed us the eye behavior in real time: the movement and the veins and the retina. The blood had pooled and the veins were like a tangled web. They would seep more blood into the pool putting pressure on the retina and causing his sight to be affected. The doctor told us that in layman's term it is called an "eye stroke." Treatment is eye injections every six weeks. He puts no other meds in his eye. Unfortunately, our doctor told us that the damage from blood pooling would never be able to repair itself. The injections try to hold the damage in check. He has the injections every six weeks and will for the rest of his life. Our doctor's approach seems different from Rosemary's. So, I suppose it depends on the individual. Our doctor wants nothing put in the eye except the injections---no drops, no patches, no other medicines, just the injections. My husband had an injection two weeks ago and the doctor was pleased. The eye is stable and the injections are doing what they are supposed to do. The one thing my husband is careful about is touching or rubbing his eye.
I hope you have success with your treatments.
Carol

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Replies to "@ashby1947 Good morning, I am Carol, a retired teacher, and it is my husband who has..."

Hi Carol - Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I'm glad your husband's situation is stable. Did the doctor provide any reason for the retinal vein occlusion? Is it branch or central vein occlusion? My CRVO is due to a combination of glaucoma and HPB. My cardiologist thinks it's more the glaucoma since my BP is under control. However, I have had serious heart issues in the past, so who knows. It is what it is. My Retinal specialist was quite optimistic about me regaining sight in the affected eye. He said it would take time, but I expect most of the vision to return. Interesting, each case is so different. I have dry eyes and the doc said it was fine to use drops, gels, and a warm mast for my meibomian glands.

How is your husband dealing with the loss of vision? How does it affect his balance, his ability to read, use the computer, walk with confidence, etc? I have prism corrective lenses for reading and computer for the diplopia I developed after tube shunt surgery; however, I cannot wear those for walking around. The disorientation plus the loss of vision is a challenge.......

I am so grateful that I found this Mayo Clinic Connect site and have the opportunity to share experiences and information with others who are dealing with challenges. It was quite by accident..... I was walking into Mayo Jacksonville and noticed a monitor board mentioned this service. I believe that when we're open, the universe sends messages......
Sue