RVO Risk Factors: What Increases Your Chance of Retinal Vein Occlusion

When your retinal vein occlusion, a blockage in the small veins that carry blood away 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. There are clear, well-documented risks that make it more likely to happen—and most of them are things you can control.

The biggest one? high blood pressure, a silent condition that damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eye. Over half of people who get RVO have it. diabetes, a disease that weakens blood vessel walls and makes clots more likely. is another major player. If you have it, your risk jumps significantly. Then there’s glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that increase pressure inside the eye, squeezing blood vessels and reducing circulation. People with glaucoma are far more likely to develop RVO than those without it.

Age matters too—most cases happen after 50. Smoking thickens your blood and damages arteries. High cholesterol leads to fatty buildup that can clog small vessels. And if you’ve had a blood clot before—like a DVT or stroke—you’re at higher risk. These aren’t just vague warnings. Studies tracking thousands of patients show these factors appear together in nearly every case of RVO.

You might think RVO is just an eye problem, but it’s often a sign of something bigger. A blocked vein in the eye can mean your arteries are clogging up elsewhere too. That’s why doctors check your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol when you’re diagnosed. It’s not just about saving your vision—it’s about protecting your heart and brain.

What you’ll find below are real stories and science-backed guides from people who’ve dealt with RVO, its complications, and how they managed the risks. From understanding medication interactions that affect circulation, to learning how dehydration increases clotting risk, to knowing which supplements might help or hurt—this collection gives you the practical, no-fluff info you need to reduce your chances and protect your sight.