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Retinal Occlusion

Retina Eye Specialists

Raghu C Murthy, MD

Ophthalmology & Retina Specialist located in South Pasadena, CA

Retinal occlusion can be a serious condition, and seeking immediate treatment is important. For residents in and around South Pasadena, California, Raghu Murthy, MD, FACS, and the team at Retina Eye Specialists offer outstanding diagnostic and treatment services for this and many other eye health issues. If you or a loved one needs more information, book an appointment online or over the phone today.

Retinal Occlusion Q & A

What is retinal occlusion?

Your retina is a layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the rear portion of your eye. It is covered with rods and cones, special cells that convert light into signals that your brain processes into images. 

Vision is not possible without the retina, and problems in this part of the eye are serious and need prompt attention. Your retina is nourished by a constant blood supply, and when one of the blood vessels in this area develops a clot or blockage, the condition is called retinal occlusion. 

Depending on the type of blood vessel affected, you may be diagnosed with retinal artery occlusion or retinal vein occlusion. In some cases, sudden vision loss is your first sign of occlusion. 

What causes retinal occlusion?

Researchers aren’t sure of the exact causes of retinal occlusion, but they have identified numerous risk factors that increase your chances of developing the condition. 

Some of the known risk factors include:

  • Age over 60
  • Glaucoma
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart problems
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Certain blood disorders
  • History of blood clots
  • Macular edema

This is not a comprehensive list. Many health conditions increase your risk of retinal occlusion. 

How is retinal occlusion diagnosed?

Dr. Murthy has numerous diagnostic tools at his disposal. He begins with a thorough eye exam to learn more about how your eyes are functioning. 

In some cases, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used to create high-definition digital imaging of the retina. A specialized instrument known as an ophthalmoscope helps Dr. Murthy see the retina. 

A procedure called fluorescein angiography allows practitioners to see how blood is flowing to the eyes. A medical dye is injected into a vein in your arm, and as the dye travels through your circulatory system, it eventually reaches the eye, allowing Dr. Murthy to see if occlusion is present. 

Once a thorough diagnostic workup is performed, Dr. Murthy explains your relevant treatment options. You receive all of the details needed to make an informed decision about your care. 

Learn more during a personalized visit. Online booking is one option, or you can always call the office to schedule a visit.