The Retina Centers of Washington


  Contact : (301) 279-9123 , Fax: (301) 279-6828

Retina vein occlusions

Your retina is supplied with oxygen and nutrients by blood vessels, arteries and veins. Arteries, which deliver blood to the retina, have a thicker wall. Think of it like a rubber garden hose. Veins, which deliver blood away from the retina, have a thinner and more collapsible wall.

Retina vein occlusions 1

Picture of BRVO

A branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) occurs when a retinal artery compresses upon a retinal vein at the point where the two vessels may cross over each other. Flow of blood through the vein becomes more turbulent. Subsequently a clot forms thereby hindering the outflow of blood through the vein. Blood and clear fluid may build up around the distribution of the vein causing the retina in this region of the retina to become swollen. If the macula is affected, this is called macular edema. Sometimes retinal circulation may be permanently lost as well (capillary nonperfusion), which can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization).

Retina vein occlusions 2

Picture of CRVO

This same process may also occur within the optic nerve where it connects to the rear of the eye. The central retinal artery (i.e. the main artery that feeds into and branches in the retina) and corresponding central retinal vein course through the optic nerve in close quarters. Similarly, the central retinal artery can cause a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). The loss of vision due to edema or neovascularization can sometimes be more severe with a CRVO, although this is highly variable.

Macular edema and neovascularization from retinal vein occlusions typically require treatment to stabilize and/or improve vision. Treatment consists of injections of medication and sometimes laser. If there is severe bleeding into the eye, surgery is sometimes performed for a vitreous hemorrhage.

At the Retina Centers of Washington we use anti-VEGF medications like Avastin and Eylea. Corticosteroid injections of Kenalog, Triescence, or Ozurdex are also used to manage macular edema from RVO. Generally earlier intervention from the time of presentation is associated with better visual outcomes, although the status of delivery of blood to the retina is also a critical factor.

Retina Centers of Washington COVID-19 Safety Protocol

Dear Valued Patients and Friends,

We are truly grateful for the love and support you’ve provided us over the past few months as we navigated through the pandemic. With your continued support, we have been able to stay open, through this entire pandemic, to treat our patients' essential eye care needs. 

The safety of our patients, and our staff members, is our top priority; therefore, we have implemented safety protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

Here are some of our new safety procedures that are currently in place for when you visit our office(s).

Prior to Your Appointment:

·  You will be pre-screened over the phone when scheduling your appointment.

·  If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, we ask that you call and reschedule your appointment.

·  If you have been exposed to anyone with the virus, we ask that you call and reschedule your appointment. 

·  We will minimize the number of people in the practice (please come alone unless there is a true need for someone to accompany you).

·  We request that anyone accompanying you to wait safely in their car, unless it is truly necessary for them to come into your appointment with you. We truly appreciate your cooperation on this.

Once You arrive:

·  We are requiring all patients to arrive wearing a mask (we will provide one if needed), and that it is properly worn through the entire visit. 

·  We will check your temperature upon your arrival.

·  We request that patients use hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure of our office.

·  We have reduced the number of chairs in the waiting area to respect physical distance protocol.

·  All magazines and brochures have been removed.

Staff and Strict Cleaning Protocols:

·  We complete daily prescreening for COVID symptoms for Staff, and Doctors. 

·  All Staff members will be using PPE and wearing masks at all times, including our providers. A face shield and gloves will be worn as needed.

·  Our staff regularly performs surface cleaning of frequently touched areas throughout the day.

·  Our waiting room, exam rooms, testing equipment, and other common areas are cleaned and sterilized after every patient appointment.

We thank you for your patience with all these changes, and for your cooperation as we continue to safely navigate through the pandemic. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 301-279-9124 and we will be glad to help you!