Retinal Vein/Artery Occlusion

As I document my tangents of the weekend, this is actually the first. Retinal Occlusions and the differences therein.

Now, Retinal Occlusion is a fancy term for "vision going kaput". The difference between the two types (RVO and RAO) I will be covering is a simple one.. either a clot is in the Vein (RVO) or in the Artery (RAO). This is not a happy topic, as if it goes untreated, within 24 hours the damage is permanent. The effects can range from just a little fuzz to complete blindness in the eye.

There are not too many treatments for this, as the damage most often cannot be undone. The most common treatment for RVO and RAO would be to remove the clot. This is done in three common ways...

1. Inhale CO2 to dilate the arteries/veins in the retina
2. Massage the eyeball. (No hot oils please)
3. tPA - Tissue Plasminogen Activator - a drug that breaks up clots.

That's about it on this one. I can edit it/update it over the next week, as I am sure it shall be revisited.