Retinal Vein Occlusion: Causes, Risks, and Medications That Matter

When a vein in your retina gets blocked, it’s called retinal vein occlusion, a sudden blockage in the blood vessel that drains blood from the retina, often caused by clots, high blood pressure, or diabetes. It’s not a disease you can ignore — it can lead to permanent vision loss if not caught early. This isn’t rare. Around 1 in 100 people over 50 will experience it, and it’s one of the top three causes of vision loss in older adults. You might not feel pain, but you’ll notice blurry or dark spots in your vision — sometimes suddenly, sometimes getting worse over hours or days.

What causes it? Mostly, it’s hypertension, chronic high blood pressure that damages blood vessel walls and makes clots more likely. Diabetes, a condition that weakens small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eye is another big one. And if you have a clotting disorder, a condition where your blood thickens too easily, increasing the risk of blockages, your odds go up even more. Some people get it after long flights, or because of glaucoma, or even from taking certain meds that affect blood flow. The key is knowing your risk factors — and what you can do about them.

It’s not just about diagnosing it — it’s about managing what led to it. If you’re on blood thinners, you might be reducing your risk, but you also need to watch for side effects like bleeding. Drugs like warfarin or DOACs help prevent clots, but they need careful monitoring. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar isn’t just about your feet or kidneys — it’s about your eyes. And if you’ve got high blood pressure, lowering it isn’t optional. Studies show that keeping systolic pressure under 130 can cut the chance of retinal vein occlusion by nearly half. Even small changes — cutting salt, walking daily, quitting smoking — make a real difference.

What you’ll find below aren’t just articles about eye health. They’re real, practical guides on the medications and conditions that connect to retinal vein occlusion. From how anticoagulation safety affects your risk, to why diabetes silently damages your vision, to how blood thinners can help or hurt — this collection gives you the clear, no-fluff facts you need. You won’t find vague advice. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you should ask your doctor next time you walk into the office.