Overview:

Retinal vein occlusion occurs when the circulation of a retinal vein becomes obstructed by an adjacent blood vessel. This results in the stoppage of blood flow, causing hemorrhages in the retina. The retinal veins are the small ‘pipes?in the retina that drain blood out of the retina, back to the heart. The veins drain the blood out of the eye, while the retinal arteries are the small pipes that deliver the blood (from the heart) to the retina.

Retinal vein occlusion is second only to diabetic retinopathy as a cause of visual loss due to retinal vascular disease. There are two forms of retinal vein occlusion, branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). While there are similarities in the pathogenesis and clinical nature of these two events, each has unique etiologies, differential diagnosis, management and prognosis.

A branch retinal vein occlusion is essentially a blockage of the portion of the circulation that drains the retina of blood. The arteries deliver blood to the retina. The red blood cells and plasma then course through the capillaries and eventually into the venous system, beginning with small veins and ending with larger ones, and eventually reaching the central retinal vein. With blockage of any vein, there is back-up pressure in the capillaries, which leads to hemorrhages and also to leakage of fluid and other constituents of blood. Usually, the occlusion occurs at a site where an artery and vein cross. The occlusion site determines the extent or distribution of the hemorrhage, ranging from a small vein branch to a quadrantic occlusion involving one fourth of the retina to a hemispheric (hemi-retinal) occlusion involving one half of the retina to an occlusion of the central retinal vein, which involves the entire retina (when the central vein is involved, this is called a central retinal vein occlusion which is discussed below).

Branch retinal vein occlusions are by far the most common cause of retinal vascular occlusive disease. Males and females are affected equally. Most occlusions occur after age 50, although younger patients are sometimes seen with this disorder (in this age group it is often called papillophlebitis). The highest rate of occurrence is in individuals in their 60’s and 70’s. The risk factors for this disorder are similar to those for vascular occlusive disease elsewhere in the body such as stroke and coronary artery disease. Specifically, aging, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking are all risk factors. Glaucoma has also been identified as a risk factor in some studies.

Symptoms:

• Sudden onset
• Blurred or missing area of vision (if a branch vein is involved)
• Severe loss of central vision (if a central vein is involved)

Causes:

Possible causes or contributing factors include the following:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Glaucoma, diabetes, and other conditions

The following are common risk factors for vein occlusion:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease

Conventional Treatment:

Vein occlusion is diagnosed by examining the retina with an ophthalmoscope. Fluorescein angiography may be performed in some cases to study the circulation of the retina and to determine the extent of macular edema or swelling.

Following a vein occlusion, the primary concern is to treat the secondary complications. If areas of the retina are oxygen-deprived, LASER may be used to prevent growth of delicate vessels that could break, bleed or cause glaucoma.

Complementary Treatment:

We recommend the following protocol to help preserve vision for those with a retinal vein occlusion. Where possible, we use products that can be taken in liquid form for best absorption.

To order either "Click Here" for the complete product list or click on any product below for a greater description or also to order.

The recommendations are given in order of priority. We suggest the following:

If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222).

Essential: Macula Complete Eye Multivitamin this formula is an excellent eye multivitamin foundation formula recommended for those with any retinal conditions.
Each bottle contains 180 capsules. Cost $60 per bottle ($58 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 8 capsules per day taken with meals.
Essential: Pure Focus offered through Nutritional Focus, is in liquid form and contains lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine and small levels of vitamin E to support absorption. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter light, and serve as potent free radical scavengers for the retina. Vinpocetine improves the utilization of glucose and oxygen in the brain and retina. Cost to patient is $28 per month for the first 2 months ($24 per month on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 1 pump 5 times per day under the tongue for the first two months, then 1 pump 3 times per day under the tongue thereafter.
Essential: Carlson's Fine Fish Oil is in liquid form. One bottle contains 6.7 fluid ounces, and 1 teaspoon contains 1600 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA), plus 14 mg of antioxidants to preserve freshness. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve circulation, integrity of blood vessels, proper brain functioning, flexibility and permeability of cell membranes, and helps protect the retina's photoreceptor cells. Recommended dosage is 2-3 teaspoonfuls per day. Cost is $20 per bottle ($18 on automatic delivery).
Essential: Microcurrent Stimulation Home Unit (MicroStim or MCS): uses gentle waves of microcurrent around the eyes to promote improved energy and blood circulation in the retina, improved delivery of nutrients and removal of ongoing waste created in the retina by light. It is a therapy that has been helping people with macular degeneration stabilize their condition and preserve vision (click on above for summary of studies and pricing options). Recommended usage is one 5-minute cycle four times per day.

Other Helpful Nutrients Below:

Important: One Plus Vitamin Mineral: Excellent vitamin and mineral formula with digestive enzymes and green food. Cost is $32 per bottle for 1 month supply (or $30 per bottle on automatic delivery).
Important: Gingko Biloba Liquid Extract manufactured by Gaia Herbs is in liquid form, and taken by dropper. According to a double blind study (see Research section for more details), Gingko Biloba may be helpful for those with macular degeneration. Gingko Biloba, among other benefits, improves circulation of blood to the brain and extremities. Cost is $22 per bottle ($20 on automatic delivery).
Helpful: AstaxanthinRecommended dosage is 4 mg per day (1 capsule).. Each bottle contains 60 capsules. Cost is $22 per bottle ($20 on automatic delivery).
Helpful: Digestive Care: As we age, we produce less enzymes needed for absorbing essential nutrients from food. Digestive Care by RightFoods?is designed to aid in replacing these lost enzymes, providing a full-spectrum of seven plant-sourced enzymes to support optimal digestion and absorption. This formula also includes intestinal bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote improved intestinal flora for digestion. Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day with meals. Each bottle contains 30 capsules. Cost is $13 per bottle ($11 on automatic delivery).

Helpful: RejuVeinate: is a unique formula that combines the antioxidant vitamin C with the herbs horse chestnut, butcher's broom, bilberry, and the bioflavonoid hesperidin ?all of which maximize vascular integrity. Horse chestnut helps improve the overall tone and strength of veins, control fluid levels within blood vessel walls, and may also help decrease vascular permeability. Butcher's broom helps address inflammation within the vascular system, and helps maintain vascular integrity. It works best when used in conjunction with vitamin C and hesperidin. RejuVeinate enhances vascular integrity by:
- Improving the overall tone and strength of veins and capillaries.
- Maintaining healthy vein constriction and dilation.
- Decreasing vascular permeability.
- Promoting blood flow to the tiny capillaries in the extremities.
Recommended Dosage is 2 capsules daily. Cost is $16.00 per bottle ($14.00 on automatic delivery). Each bottle contains 60 capsules.

Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)

Note: Zinc may be helpful in protecting against vision loss due to macular degeneration. It is found in high concentrations in the eye, and helps bind the protective layer of the retina to the underlying tissue. We recommend up to 30 mg daily, with up to 2 mg of Copper.

Automatic delivery is available. Click Here for more information.

Self Help:

Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

• Vision Diet recommended in Natural Eye Care, co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., helps maintain a healthy lens that easily drains away metabolic wastes and toxins from eye tissues.
• Daily juicing of vegetables and fruits (preferably organic). Our suggested recipe is some combination of the following: ginger, garlic, asparagus, leeks, spinach, Jerusalem artichokes, parsley, pumpkin, beets, celery, cabbage, carrots, chlorophyll, raspberries (not too much fruit). For more information, go to "Click Here".
• Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas, avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods)and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil, and especially margarines).
• Eliminate deep fat fried foods, monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24), and fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22). Eating greater amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol appear to increase the risk of AMD.
• Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
• Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
• Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as One Plus Vitamin Mineral: or PaleoGreens Formula.
• Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
• Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
• Managing your emotional health is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life’s problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, walks in the woods or prayer on a daily basis.