Retinal Vein Occlusion: Causes, Injections & Recovery in Seoul
A Seoul retina specialist’s guide to retinal vein occlusion diagnosis and anti-VEGF treatment
Quick Answer
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a blockage of a vein draining blood from the retina, often linked to high blood pressure or diabetes. Retinal vein occlusion Seoul patients are typically treated with anti-VEGF injections to reduce macular swelling, along with control of underlying vascular risk factors. Early treatment gives the best chance of preserving vision.
Q. What is retinal vein occlusion Seoul patients should know about?
Retinal vein occlusion happens when a vein carrying blood out of the retina narrows or blocks completely, causing blood and fluid to back up and leak into the surrounding tissue. This swelling, called macular edema, is the main cause of vision loss in RVO. Patients in Yeongdeungpo, Guro, Gasan, and Gwanak most commonly present with sudden, painless blurring in one eye.
RVO in Korea: Key Statistics
- ▸ Hypertension affects nearly 1 in 3 adults over 30 in Korea, a leading risk factor for RVO
- ▸ Diabetes prevalence among Korean adults over 30 is estimated near 16%, raising RVO risk further
- ▸ Branch RVO is roughly 3–4 times more common than central RVO in clinical studies
- ▸ Anti-VEGF injection therapy improves or stabilizes vision in the majority of treated RVO patients
Q. How is retinal vein occlusion treated?
Anti-VEGF injections are the primary treatment for macular edema caused by RVO. These medications are injected directly into the eye during a brief in-office procedure and work by blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor that drives leakage and swelling.
Laser photocoagulation may be added for peripheral non-perfusion or neovascularization, and steroid implants are sometimes used for patients who don’t respond fully to anti-VEGF therapy alone.
Q. What does recovery look like after treatment?
Many patients notice improved vision within days to a few weeks of their first injection, though the degree of recovery depends on how long the occlusion was present before treatment began and whether the macula was permanently damaged.
Regular follow-up with OCT scans every 4–6 weeks during active treatment helps our team in Guro-gu adjust the injection schedule as your retina responds.
Q. When should I see a doctor in Seoul for possible RVO?
- Sudden, painless blurring or vision loss in one eye
- A dark or distorted patch appearing in your central or side vision
- Known history of high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol with new visual symptoms
- Any sudden visual change — same-day evaluation is recommended rather than waiting
Diagnosis
Dilated exam, OCT, and fluorescein angiography to classify the occlusion.
Active Treatment
Monthly anti-VEGF injections for 3–6 months, adjusted by OCT response.
Maintenance
Less frequent injections and vascular risk factor management long-term.
A Note From Dr. Daniel Baik
“As a board-certified ophthalmologist, I tell every RVO patient that the eye and the rest of the body are connected — treating the retina with injections matters, but so does working with your primary doctor on blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. That combined approach gives the best long-term outcome.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is retinal vein occlusion (RVO)?
Retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked, causing blood and fluid to leak into the retina. This leads to swelling (macular edema) and sudden or gradual blurring of vision, most often in one eye.
Q. What causes retinal vein occlusion?
The most common risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, glaucoma, and age-related hardening of the arteries. In Korea, rising rates of hypertension and diabetes among middle-aged and older adults have made RVO an increasingly common reason for retina referrals in Seoul clinics.
Q. How is RVO treated?
First-line treatment is usually anti-VEGF injections (such as aflibercept or ranibizumab) directly into the eye to reduce swelling and improve vision. Laser treatment and, in some cases, steroid implants may also be used depending on the type and severity of occlusion.
Q. How many injections will I need?
Treatment is individualized, but many patients need monthly anti-VEGF injections for the first 3–6 months, followed by less frequent maintenance injections as the retina stabilizes. Regular OCT imaging at follow-up visits guides how often injections are needed.
Q. Is retinal vein occlusion an emergency?
Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. While RVO itself is not immediately sight-threatening in the way a retinal detachment is, delayed treatment of the resulting macular edema can lead to permanent vision loss.
Q. Can RVO happen in both eyes or come back?
RVO usually affects one eye, but having it in one eye slightly raises the risk of a vascular event in the other eye or in the same eye later, especially if underlying blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol are not well controlled.
Q. Where can I get RVO treatment in Seoul?
Nunehim Eye Center in Guro-gu offers OCT imaging, fluorescein angiography, and anti-VEGF injection treatment for retinal vein occlusion, serving patients from Yeongdeungpo, Gasan, and Gwanak.
Book a Consultation
Concerned about sudden vision changes? Schedule a retina evaluation with Dr. Daniel Baik at Nunehim Eye Center, serving Yeongdeungpo, Guro, Gasan, and Gwanak.
Or visit nunehim.com
📍 Visit Nunehim Eye Center — Guro, Seoul
Convenient access from Guro, Gasan, Gwanak & Dongjak. Near Guro Digital Complex Station (Line 2).
Address: 551 Siheung-daero, Guro-gu, Seoul
nunehim.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 (lunch 13–14)
Sat 09:00–14:00
Languages: Korean & English
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