---
title: "Retinal vein occlusion (eye stroke) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What retinal vein occlusion is, why it is sometimes called an eye stroke, the sudden vision changes it causes, and how it is monitored and treated."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/retinal-vein-occlusion/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Retinal vein occlusion (eye stroke)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of a vein at the back of the eye, sometimes called an eye stroke. It causes sudden painless blurring or loss of vision, usually in one eye. It is linked to high blood pressure, diabetes and glaucoma, and needs prompt assessment to protect sight and check general health.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Treatment and monitoring
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Treatments & Surgery
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

At the back of the eye, blood drains away through retinal veins. If a vein becomes blocked, blood and fluid can build up in the retina, affecting vision. It usually affects one eye and comes on suddenly without pain.

## Common symptoms

Vision change is usually sudden and painless.

- Sudden blurred or lost vision in one eye
- A dark patch or shadow in part of the vision
- Sometimes mild floaters or a red eye
- No eye pain in most cases

## Causes and risk factors

It is more common with increasing age and is strongly linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, smoking and blood clotting problems. Because it can reflect wider circulation problems, a full health check is often recommended.

## Treatment and monitoring

There is no single cure, but treatment targets complications such as swelling at the macula or abnormal new blood vessels. This may include injections into the eye, laser, or managing blood pressure and diabetes. Regular monitoring is important to protect remaining vision.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### Is retinal vein occlusion the same as a stroke?

It is sometimes called an eye stroke because a blood vessel at the back of the eye is blocked, but it is different from a brain stroke. However, it can be linked to the same risk factors, so general health checks are important.

### Can vision recover after a retinal vein occlusion?

Some people regain useful vision, especially with early treatment of swelling or new vessel growth, but others have lasting blurring. Prompt assessment gives the best chance of protecting sight.

### What causes a blocked vein in the eye?

The vein is usually blocked where an artery crosses it, often in people with high blood pressure, diabetes or glaucoma. A full assessment looks for treatable risk factors.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/central-retinal-vein-occlusion-crvo)