Retinal Vascular Diseases

About Retinal Vascular Diseases

Interconnected arteries and veins supply the retina with blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Still, certain vascular diseases such as diabetes and hypertension can cause retinal disorders that cause this supply to stop either because of a blockage of blood flow, fluid leakage, or a retinal vessel rupture. This can result in loss of vision. These retinal vascular conditions include diseases such as:

• Diabetic retinopathy 
• Hypertensive retinopathy
• Retinal vein and artery occlusion

Symptoms

Depending on the specific condition, symptoms can vary, but some common symptoms include:

• Blurry central vision.
• Headache.
• Loss of visual field.

Diagnosis

Columbia ophthalmologists have expertise in diagnosing retinal vascular disease in various ways. Identifying causes such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol can help us create a successful treatment plan that uses a whole-patient approach. Medical technology such as fluorescein angiography can help us diagnose any vascular leakage that may occur in the retina.

Treatments We Offer

Columbia ophthalmologists will treat your retinal vascular disease, whether there is fluid leakage, hemorrhaging from a vein or artery, or swelling from a blockage, with the most up-to-date therapies and techniques, including:

• Laser – can be used with diabetic patients who have retinal vein occlusion, where there may be vision loss due to swelling.
• Drug therapy – and injection of an anti-vascular endothelial growth (anti-VEGF) factor agent, such as vabysmo, ranibizumab, aflibercept,bevacizumab, or an intraocular steroid injection, can help to relieve swelling and restore vision.
• Vitrectomy – surgery that removes the hemorrhage from the retinal area.

Why Choose Columbia?

Our goal is to identify the cause of your retinal vascular disease and devise a prompt, thorough, and comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you. At Columbia, we do not just take care of your eyesight. We take care of you.