Suddenly you can’t see clearly? People with “three highs” should be careful!

My eyes were fine, why did they suddenly become blurry? People with "three highs" must be careful about retinal vascular occlusion!

What is retinal vascular occlusion ?

The retina is the tissue in the eye that captures the colors of the world. The vascular network on it is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to retinal cells. However, when this "lifeline" is blocked, retinal cells will be damaged due to lack of oxygen and nutrition, eventually leading to decreased vision or even blindness. Retinal vascular occlusion refers to obstruction of blood flow in the retinal arteries or veins, resulting in retinal ischemia or hemorrhage.

Retinal vein occlusion

It is a disease characterized by acute blood flow obstruction in the central retinal vein or branch veins due to various reasons, blocking the distal veins, leading to distal vein dilation, tortuosity, blood stasis, retinal hemorrhage and edema. Its complications are mainly macular edema and neovascular glaucoma.

Retinal artery occlusion

It is an acute obstruction of the central retinal artery or its branches, leading to ischemic necrosis of the retinal optic nerve. The peak incidence of retinal artery occlusion is over 60 years old, and the incidence rate is higher in men than in women.

What symptoms should we be alert to?

• Sudden vision loss: People with retinal artery occlusion may experience a sudden decrease in vision or even complete loss of vision.
• Visual field loss: People with retinal vein occlusion may experience a partial loss of visual field, as if a black cloth is blocking their view.
• Blurred vision: Regardless of the type of blockage, blurred vision may be an early symptom.
• Eye pain or headache: Some patients may experience eye pain, headache and other discomforts.

Why do blood vessels become blocked?

• Hypertension: Long-term hypertension leads to hardening of blood vessel walls and is prone to blood clots.
• Atherosclerosis: Aging of the body's vascular system can also affect the blood vessels of the eyes.
• Diabetes: Diabetic retinopathy is a significant risk factor for retinal vein occlusion.
• Hypercoagulable state of blood: In cases such as oral contraceptives and pregnancy, the blood is more likely to coagulate.
• Others: Eye trauma, inflammation, etc. may also induce vascular obstruction.

Min Hanyi, director of Tianjin University Aier Eye Hospital, said that patients with high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood lipids should have regular fundus examinations, eat a balanced diet, exercise moderately, quit smoking and limit alcohol. If a sharp decline in vision is found, medical treatment should be sought immediately.