Risk Factors and Treatment Strategy for Retinal Vascular Occlusive Diseases

Retinal occlusive diseases are common diseases that can lead to visual impairment. Retinal artery occlusion and retinal vein occlusion are included in the clinical entity, but they have quite different pathophysiologies. Retinal artery occlusion is an emergent eye disorder. Retinal artery occlusion is mainly caused by thromboembolism, which frequently occurs in conjunction with life-threatening stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, prompt examinations and interventions for systemic vascular diseases are often necessary for these patients. Retinal vein occlusion is characterized by retinal hemorrhage and ischemia, which may impair visual function via several complications such as macular edema, macular ischemia, vitreous hemorrhage, and neovascular glaucoma. Even though anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy is the current established first-line of treatment for retinal vein occlusion, several clinical studies have been performed to identify better treatment protocols and new therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize the current findings and advances in knowledge regarding retinal occlusive diseases, particularly focusing on recent studies, in order to provide an update for a better understanding of its pathogenesis.

Automated summary

Retinal occlusive diseases, including retinal artery occlusion and retinal vein occlusion, are common causes of visual impairment. These diseases have different pathophysiologies and require different treatment approaches. Prompt examinations and interventions for systemic vascular diseases are necessary for patients with retinal artery occlusion, which is mainly caused by thromboembolism. Retinal vein occlusion, characterized by retinal hemorrhage and ischemia, can lead to visual impairment through various complications. While anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy is the first-line treatment for retinal vein occlusion, other treatment protocols and new therapeutic options are under investigation.