Several large, randomized, clinically-controlled studies have been undertaken over the years to guide the best treatment options for RVO. Based on this information and their clinical experience, your retina specialist may recommend one or several treatment options for RVO. While there is no cure for vein occlusion, treatment may reduce the damage and restore some of the vision that has been lost. Initially, your doctor may choose to closely observe the condition since some cases of RVO have been shown to improve spontaneously. Injections in or around the eye may be used to treat the macular edema associated with RVO. Specifically, injections and anti-VEGF agents such as Avastin or Lucentis have been shown to reduce macular edema. Close follow-up and repeated injections are often required.

Precise laser treatments may be indicated at various times during your treatment course for RVO. These treatments are relatively painless and can be completed in the office using topical or local anesthetic. In some cases, fine spots of laser therapy are applied to the macula to reduce macular edema. At other times, more peripheral laser may be applied. This "PRP" laser is employed to stop the progression of abnormal blood vessel formation and severe hemorrhage that may result from larger, ischemic vein occlusions. In some cases, a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy may be necessary to remove hemorrhage that does not clear from the eye.

It is also important to remember that a retinal vein occlusion may be indicative of a more wide-spread problem. Your retinal doctor will often encourage you to follow-up with your primary care doctor, cardiologist, or endocrinologist. Evaluation and management of blood pressure, diabetes, or hypercoaguability is important for your general health as well.