Retinal vein occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy and can result in significant vision loss and ocular morbidity. Vision loss may result from hemorrhages, macular ischemia (if there is significant closure of the perifoveal capillaries), and, most commonly, macular edema. Recent advances in retinal imaging and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents have improved the diagnosis and treatment of RVO. This has resulted in significant improvements in visual and anatomic outcomes. Anti-VEGF agents remain first-line treatment options for macular edema, with intravitreal steroids and grid laser photocoagulation as second-line treatment options. Panretinal photocoagulation is the treatment of choice for neovascular complications associated with RVO, with anti-VEGF agents as adjunct therapy. Despite therapeutic advances, RVO remains a chronic disease requiring long-term monitoring and treatment, which can sometimes result in treatment fatigue and loss to follow-up. There remains a need for long-term and more durable treatment options. The choice of treatment should be individually tailored based on discussion among the patient, family, and physician.