What are the complications of retinal vein occlusion?

Retinal vein occlusion can lead to complications such as:

• Cystoid macular edema: This is swelling in the center of your retina (macula). It can cause blurry vision or loss of vision.
• Neovascularization of the eye: Abnormal blood vessels can form in different parts of your eye, typically your iris (rubeosis iridis). This happens in about 1 in 4 people with RVO. Abnormal blood vessels less commonly form in your retina.
• Bleeding in your eye (vitreous hemorrhage): This is when blood leaks into your vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills your eyeball. It results from the formation of abnormal blood vessels, which are prone to leaking.
• Neovascular glaucoma: Abnormal blood vessels in your eye can cause pain and a dangerous increase in pressure inside your eye.
• Retinal detachment: Abnormal blood vessels in your retina may cause your retina to pull away from the tissues that support it.

People with RVO have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, compared to people without RVO. This may be due to shared underlying risk factors like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.