Retinal vein occlusion

Question 1

Retinal vein occlusion

Answer 1

Examine this patient’s fundi.

Question 2

Clinical signs of Retinal vein occlusion

Answer 2

1. Flame haemorrhages +++ radiating out from a swollen disc
2. Engorged tortuous veins
3. Cotton wool spots
4. Cause: look for diabetic or hypertensive changes (visible in branch retinal vein occlusion).
5. Effect: Rubeosis iridis (neovascularization of the iris) causes secondary glaucoma (in central retinal vein occlusion), visual loss or field defect.

Question 3

Causes of Retinal vein occlusion

Answer 3

1. Hypertension
2. Hyperglycaemia: diabetes mellitus
3. Hyperviscocity: Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia or myeloma
4. High intraocular pressure: glaucoma