My husband saw a flash go off in his right eye and everything went gray. He now has very blurry vision in that eye.
The retina specialist diagnosed Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.
Does anyone know of any sure cure to get his sight back? Or has anyone else been diagnosed with CRVO ? It is very scary. He is going for more tests. He's seen a few specialists in NYC with no hope for a cure.
We don't know how this happened, he may have been dehydrated. He had a bout of bronchitis, took Nyquil for a few nights, and was working hard in the hot sun this past August when it happened.
Any info would be appreciated...anyone know a miracle worker or top retina specialist to recommend to us ? Thanks !

Do all the battery of tests doctors recommend including some that they may not including genetic disorders for blood clots. I recently had a venal occulusion and lost my eyesight in my left eye. I took all the tests but all come back negative. Doctors still do not know why this happened to me. But few things did help.
First I was sent to a specialist who gave me a shot of steroids in the eye itself to reduce the swelling in the back of eye. I also requested to my doctor if I could take blood pressure medication, not diurectic, even though I really didn't have hypertension, 130/79. Combination of the two seem to help, of course excercise such as jogging to further reduce my blood pressure, no weight lifting or any thing strenuous. It seem to help and now, I have some vision back. No where near where it was but whole heck of lot better than not seeing at all.
There are of course inherent risks. Doctor informed me only 30% effectiveness if at all. And chance of total blindness in the eye. Anyhow, I went with the shot and no regrets. Ask your opthamologist to send you to a specialist for this procedure.
Don

Thank You for your reply Don...He's having an MRA this morning, a carotid doppler and echo tomorrow...he had the steroid shot in the eye this past Fri. Nothing new yet, but hopeful. Larry's a type A personality although his blood pressure like yours is usually low, he is always stressed. No way of changing him, although I think this gave him a wake-up call...Good luck with your eyes too...we take so much for granted.Thank you again...

Hello again,
Hope hubby is able to reduce some stress in his life. Do tell if you find anything from your husband's recent tests. My doctor's still do not know why this happened to me.
Don

Hi! I too have been dealing with CRVO, without knowing the cause.

Based on what we have researched there is no treatment but for waiting for the vein to open itself, and to monitor the eye for complications to treat, ie, neo-vascular vessels.

I was seen by a Neuro-Surgeon/Opthalmologist who prescribed Trental 400 mg, and an aspirin in the morning.

Hello and thank you both for your responses...I'm going to fwd. your info to my husband and let him answer you. He did get the cortisone shot about 3 wks. ago...but alas he only got maybe minimal improvement....I'll let him explain it to you. Thanks again for your replies !!

Hi! Thanks for your message!

I wanted to let you know that I found posts under
"Retinal Vein Occlusion," if you weren't already aware.

I have not had any pain or other problems even though I have apparently the worst eschemic type. My cortisone shot has helped but not great. I was hoping for a better result. It has been more than 3 weeks now and I only have limited improved vision. My hope is to maintain what I have and keep my peripheral vision as it helps when I drive. My good left eye has taken over and my brain is adjusting to the situation and I sometimes foget I have this problem. My Doctor has suggested an operation that slices the side of the optic nerve to relieve pressure with the hope that the vein will open up. Anybody hear of this or have it done?

Thanks for your feedback, LVD

Hi! Thanks for your response.

In response to your inquiry about the pressure release procedure, I just read about it on a website.

I wish you lots of success with your procedure and regaining that sight back! Take care!


[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 10-24-2003).]

To Californiasunflower, I live in the Bay area also, is there any way to get in contact with you. I wish to learn more about your condition and treatment you have.

I am willing to share info via the healthboard.

After six months now, I have had a good week visually, but activity (walking, on computer, etc.) still causes blurred vision. Appears inflammation is reduced still since last exam, but still experiencing discomfort such as pain, and I avoid activity that cause pressure and/or pain. There's been an improvement, which occurred once before prior to treatment. Hoping progress will continue. Have you contacted UCSF Opthal Dept?

[This message has been edited by californiasunflower (edited 10-30-2003).]