Symptoms vary depending on the type of obstruction, but they generally include:
 

• Sudden partial or complete loss of vision in one eye.
• Blurred or distorted vision.
• Dark spots or blind spots in the visual field (scotomas).

The severity of symptoms depends on whether the blockage affects the central artery or vein or its branches.

Retinal vascular occlusions are associated with a number of medical conditions and lifestyles, including:

• High blood pressure and diabetes mellitus.
• High cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
• Smoking: This significantly increases the risk of blockages.
• Coagulation disorders or use of oral contraceptives.
• Advanced age: This condition is more common in people over the age of 50.

Prevention of these risk conditions is key to reducing the likelihood of developing vascular blockages.

 Treatment varies according to the type of occlusion and severity of symptoms:
 

Venous occlusion

In the occurrence of macular oedema, treatment with anti-VEGF drugs may be effective. In cases where hypoxia causes neovessels to form in the retina or iris, Argon laser treatment of the retina may be required.

Arterial occlusion

Treatment should be initiated within the first few hours of evolution, since, as it involves a lack of oxygen to the retina, the chances of recovery decrease significantly after the first 6 hours.