What if one eye suddenly becomes blurred? Suspected retinal vascular obstruction causing blindness
Feb 24, 2025
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Retinal vascular obstruction is generally prone to systemic diseases that cause blood circulation disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis. Retinal artery obstruction, which is a blood vessel that supplies blood to the retina, is caused by embolization or blood clots, and retinal vein obstruction, which is a blood vessel that returns blood from the retina to the heart, is known to cause stiff arteries to compress veins at the intersection of retinal arteries and veins, resulting in blood vortexes, forming blood clots and leading to obstruction.
Professor Hyosong Park "According to the blocked vascular position and size, it is divided into central retinal artery occlusion, central retinal vein occlusion, branched retinal artery occlusion, and branched retinal vein occlusion. The condition occurs suddenly, and shows various complications and rapid vision loss, so rapid diagnosis and treatment are important."
The main symptoms of retinal vascular obstruction are mainly sudden vision loss, visual impairment, and the appearance of distortion of objects. In the case of retinal venous obstruction, delayed initial treatment can lead to complications such as macular edema, vitreous hemorrhage, and glaucoma, and in severe cases, permanent loss of vision.
Professor Park Hyo-song said, `Even if one eye is not visible, the other side works, so symptoms are often considered insignificant. If vision loss occurs and persists, it is important to quickly get an accurate examination and treat it at the hospital.'
Retinal vascular obstruction is diagnosed by confirming arterial and venous obstruction through fundus imaging, light interferometry, and fluorescent fundus angiography. However, retinal artery occlusion requires attention because there are cases where there is little change in the retina in the very early stages of development.
Treatment depends on which blood vessel is closed. In the case of retinal artery obstruction, the treatment effect is often limited depending on the extent of obstruction, but attempts are made to restore blood circulation by lowering eye pressure. Recently, thrombolytic treatment has been attempted or surgical treatment has been performed. Retinal venous obstruction is treated with major complications such as macular edema and vitreous bleeding through guided injection, laser treatment, and surgical treatment, while follow-up observation is performed to prevent possible complications such as glaucoma.
If chronic diseases that cause blood circulation disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis are not controlled, vascular obstruction can occur elsewhere than the eye. Therefore, if retinal vascular obstruction occurs, it is important to recognize the body's danger signals and evaluate and prevent life-threatening systemic diseases such as stroke and heart disease through examination.
Professor Park Hyo-song said "In fact, there are cases where we find seriously advanced systemic diseases as a result of blood vessel obstruction in the eye. In particular, in the case of central retinal artery occlusion, the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease was found to be higher than that of retinal artery occlusion, which was not."
To prevent retinal vascular obstruction, smoking cessation, abstaining from alcohol, and maintaining an appropriate weight are necessary. Risk factors related to cardio-cerebrovascular disease, such as regular exercise and eating bland food, should be thoroughly managed.
Professor Park Hyo-song said "Early detection of retinal vascular obstruction and appropriate treatment can minimize vision damage. The key to prevention and early treatment is to consistently manage chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes and receive regular eye examinations. If there is a sudden change in vision, you should not delay and visit a hospital immediately."
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
