One of the most important elements of the circulatory system is the central retinal vein (CVS). Thanks to this organ, the eyeball receives all the necessary nutrients. However, elderly people (over 60 years old) often have to face retinal thrombosis. It is noteworthy that representatives of the stronger sex often suffer from this pathology.
If we talk about the main manifestations of the pathology, then usually patients complain of a rapid deterioration in vision, which is accompanied by a sharp pain syndrome. If timely treatment of thrombosis of the central vein of the retina is not performed, there is a risk of completely losing the ability to see. Therefore, you should immediately seek help.
What is a pathology?
As a rule, with the development of CVC thrombosis, the lesion affects only one eye, however, in medical practice there is also a bilateral form of the disease. It is immediately worth noting that this ophthalmic disease is considered quite severe. Even with qualified and timely treatment, it is not always possible to fully restore the function of the visual organs.
Retinal thrombosis appears against the background of pathologies that occur in the vascular system of the human body. In this case, swelling of the CVC occurs. This condition is extremely dangerous, since the lesion can spread to adjacent tissues. Due to occlusion of the central retina, the side veins acquire a tortuous structure. This leads to a serious violation of their functions.
It is noteworthy that in recent years, cases of such a lesion began to appear in fairly young and healthy people. Doctors cannot yet answer why this is happening, because earlier it was believed that pathologies of this type occur against the background of age-related changes due to wear of organs and body systems. On the other hand, people who have a predisposition to edema of the retina of the eye may not encounter similar problems until they are very old. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to any changes in visual function and if an unpleasant symptomatology appears, consult an ophthalmologist.
Symptoms and stages of development
Depending on the development of the lesion, the manifestations of pathology will also differ. To date, there are three degrees of varieties of retinal thrombosis:
- Prethrombosis. At the first stage of the pathology, patients, as a rule, do not experience serious inconvenience. It is possible to identify the beginning of the development of pathology by accident, in the process of a routine examination. In this case, patients do not notice a deterioration in visual function. Sometimes people complain of a nebula, but most often the pathology begins to develop without obvious symptoms. However, upon examination, the doctor may notice an expansion of the veins of the fundus. They will also differ in a more sinuous shape.
- Thrombosis. The second stage of the disease is characterized by a very sharp deterioration in visual function. A veil appears before the eyes, it is more difficult for a person to examine objects that are even very close. In this case, the border of the optic nerve becomes less pronounced. Veins acquire a strongly curved shape. Multiple hemorrhages can be seen in the eye.
- Postthrombotic changes. The third stage occurs approximately 3 months after the diagnosis of the second degree of eye damage. At this stage, a slow and incomplete recovery of vision occurs. If you examine the fundus, then it will be visible gray outline remaining after the resulting hemorrhage. Also at this stage, new blood vessels begin to form, inflammation goes away.
However, one must understand that post-thrombotic positive changes are possible only if appropriate treatment has been carried out.
Reasons for the development of pathology
As a rule, ischemic and peripheral occlusion, as well as thrombosis of the central veins of the organs of vision, develop against the background of vascular diseases. Such pathologies include:
- Atherosclerosis. The ailment is a common pathology of the vessels in which their dystrophy develops.
- Hypertension. In this case, the patient suffers from high blood pressure.
- Diabetes. The development of pathology negatively affects the function of the permeability of the vascular walls.
- Systemic vacillate. In this case, we are talking about pathologies that occur in the connective tissues of the vessels of the human body.
- A malignant blood disease, against the background of which its increased coagulability may develop. As a rule, such diseases include polycythemia, myelin disease and others.
Factors that affect the development of retinal thrombosis
In this case, we are talking about pathologies of another type that cause compaction in the arteries, against which the blood flow slows down and blood clots. Thus, visual thrombosis can develop due to:
- Complicated infectious diseases. Thrombosis appears against the background of progressive sepsis and syphilis. However, pathology sometimes develops with a flu, sinusitis, or oral infections.
- Ophthalmic hypertension. This disease is characterized by increased intraocular pressure.
- Edema of the optic nerve.
- Orbitopathies.
- A tumor formed in the eyeballs.
Additional factors
At risk may be quite young people who do not have severe, prolonged or chronic pathologies. However, there are circumstances in which the vascular system of the body (including the organs of vision) is greatly weakened. Those with retinal thrombosis may be those who do not suffer from excess weight, alcoholism and endocrine system diseases. Also, people who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle need to be more attentive to their health. This leads to stagnant processes and can provoke a variety of ailments.
Diagnostics
In order to detect vascular inflammation and thrombosis in the organ of vision, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist. First of all, the specialist will conduct a survey and clarify the specifics of the symptoms, their duration and patient history. It is also necessary to exclude the likelihood of developing glaucoma, vascular dementia and other pathologies that can also affect the visual organs.
As the main studies, several tests and procedures are carried out.
Visometry
This diagnostic method helps to determine the visual acuity of the patient. To do this, he is invited to sit away from the scoreboard, on which symbols of different sizes are indicated. After that, the patient closes one eye and tries to examine the signs that the doctor is pointing at. This is the standard procedure for any complaints of vision.
Computer perimetry
This is a more complex research method that helps to clarify the patient’s field of vision and determine the areas in which certain disorders occur.
To perform such a diagnosis, the patient must fix his gaze at one point. After that, objects that move at different speeds begin to appear on the screen. The patient needs to press the button as soon as he can see the image.
Additional research
Such procedures should include biomicroscopy. In this case, a focused lamp is used, which is directed to both eyes. Using a magnifying glass, the doctor will be able to notice even minimal changes in the functioning of the organ of vision.
In some situations, an ophthalmoscopy may be required. In this case, the fundus is examined. Such a procedure helps a specialist to determine the appearance of new vessels, possible hemorrhages and swelling.
If the fact of the presence of a thrombus is confirmed, then it is necessary to diagnose the degree of its development. To this end, fluorescence angiography is performed. For this, a special dye must be injected into a person's vein, which will pass through the vessels of the eye. According to the color scheme, the doctor will be able to more accurately understand the degree of development of the pathology.
You may also need to donate blood for a general analysis, urine and feces. It will not be superfluous to check cholesterol and measure the pressure.
Based on the data received, the doctor selects the appropriate treatment method. As a rule, the patient has to take a course of taking drugs.
Medication for Retinal Thrombosis
In order to try to restore visual function, the doctor may prescribe:
- Drugs that relate to antihypertensive drugs. They are necessary in order to restore normal blood pressure. As a rule, “Nifedipine” or “Phenigidine” are used for this. One tablet under the tongue is enough. In some situations, intravenous injections of more potent drugs may be required.
- Fibrinolytics. Injections of these drugs can destroy the thrombus and prevent its further passage through the veins.
- Anticoagulants. They stop the growth of existing blood clots and prevent the appearance of new blood clots. Most often, the doctor prescribes Novoparin.
- Means that reduce muscle swelling.
It is also recommended that the patient take a course of vitamins C and B. These components are necessary to strengthen the protective functions of the body.
To remove serious inflammation or in case of an allergic reaction, ointment "Hydrocortisone" is recommended. The price of this composition bites. You will have to pay about 4200 rubles. However, this composition is highly effective. In addition, one tube is quite enough for a course of treatment, which is from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the complications. You can find ointment "Hydrocortisone", the price of which will be much lower, but in this case there is a risk of running into a fake. It is recommended to buy such funds only in central city pharmacies.
With exacerbation
If the patient has a strong deterioration, then in this case it is necessary to restore venous blood flow and at the same time reduce blood pressure. Fibrinolytics are commonly used for these purposes.
With the formation of serious hemorrhage, you will need to take a drug that helps to thin the blood. As a rule, ordinary aspirin is sufficient for this. Additionally, you may need to relieve puffiness. To make the drug act faster, it is usually administered intravenously.
Effects
If a person does not seek help and allows the development of thrombosis, then this can lead to the development of glaucoma. In this case, intraocular pressure will increase, and the pathology will turn into a chronic form. Against this background, the visual organ will partially lose its function or even atrophy.
The patient may develop severe pain in the affected organ. Therefore, it is better not to start the pathology and undergo timely medical treatment. In this case, the forecast will be more favorable.
Prevention
If we talk about how to avoid the development of CVT thrombosis, then in this case it is necessary to take measures aimed at strengthening the vessels. It is recommended to periodically measure the level of blood pressure, especially if a person suffers from hypertension.
In addition, it is recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year and conduct an examination. It is also worth abandoning bad habits. A person should move as much as possible in order to prevent stagnation of blood. Do not sit close in front of a computer monitor or TV. The diet should include foods rich in vitamins. It is also worth spending time in nature and avoid hypothermia in the cold season.