RVO Risk Factors: What Increases Your Chances and How to Reduce Them

When your retinal vein occlusion, a blockage in the vein that drains blood from the retina. Also known as eye stroke, it happens when a clot forms and cuts off blood flow, leading to sudden vision loss. It’s not random. RVO doesn’t strike out of nowhere—it follows patterns. If you’ve got high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, you’re not just at risk—you’re in the top group of people who get it. These aren’t vague warnings. Studies show over 70% of people with RVO have at least one of these three conditions.

High blood pressure is the biggest player. It doesn’t just strain your heart—it puts constant pressure on the tiny veins in your eye. Over time, that pressure weakens the walls, making them more likely to clot. Diabetes is just as dangerous. High sugar levels damage blood vessels everywhere, including the retina. And high cholesterol? It builds up like rust inside your arteries, thickening the blood and slowing it down until it gets stuck. These aren’t separate issues. They feed into each other. If you have two of them, your risk doesn’t just go up—it multiplies.

Age matters too. Most cases happen after 50, but that doesn’t mean younger people are safe. If you’re overweight, smoke, or sit all day, your blood flow slows down. That’s a silent risk. Glaucoma and blood disorders like sickle cell or clotting conditions also raise your chances. The good news? You can control most of these. Lower your blood pressure with diet and movement. Manage your sugar with real food, not just pills. Get your cholesterol checked every year. Quit smoking. Walk 30 minutes a day. These aren’t grand gestures—they’re daily choices that add up.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been there. You’ll see how statins help protect your eyes even if you have fatty liver. You’ll learn how to manage blood pressure meds like Micardis or Plendil without side effects. You’ll find out why some antibiotics trigger clotting risks and how to avoid them. There’s no magic cure—but there are proven steps. And every one of them starts with knowing your risks. These articles don’t just explain RVO. They show you how to fight it—before it starts.

Retinal Vein Occlusion: Risk Factors and Injections Explained
Martin Kelly 10 November 2025 9

Retinal Vein Occlusion: Risk Factors and Injections Explained

Retinal vein occlusion can cause sudden vision loss. Learn the top risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, and how anti-VEGF injections help restore sight. Understand treatment options, costs, and what to expect.