Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) is one of the most common forms of eye stroke.
It happens when the central vein of the retina becomes blocked, preventing proper blood drainage.
This leads to swelling, bleeding, and in many cases, sudden vision loss.

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb often explains:

“I tell patients to think of CRVO as a plumbing problem. The drain in the eye gets clogged, blood and fluid back up, and the retina swells. That swelling can choke off vision if it’s not addressed quickly.”

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What is CRVO?

• The central retinal vein carries blood away from the retina.
• When it’s blocked, pressure builds up and blood leaks into the eye.
• This creates swelling in the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision).

CRVO is sometimes referred to as a “retinal vein thrombosis.” Like a blood clot in the leg or lung, it’s a serious circulatory event that needs immediate attention.

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Symptoms of CRVO

CRVO usually affects one eye and symptoms appear suddenly:

• Painless blurring or loss of vision
• Dark spots, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow
• Distorted central vision
• Swelling or redness in severe cases

If you notice sudden visual changes, get checked immediately. Early diagnosis improves recovery.

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Causes & Risk Factors

CRVO shares many risk factors with other vascular eye strokes like CRAO:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Blood clotting disorders
• COVID-related clotting and inflammation, which Dr. Rosenfarb notes has increased eye stroke cases significantly in recent years

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Conventional Medicine’s Approach

Traditional ophthalmology treatments for CRVO focus on managing swelling and preventing new clots:

• Anti-VEGF injections (Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea) to reduce macular swelling
• Steroid injections to control inflammation
• Laser treatments to seal leaking vessels
• Blood thinners in systemic clotting cases

These interventions can help stabilize the eye, but many patients are told: “We’ll just have to wait and see how much vision comes back.”

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Holistic & Functional Treatments

Dr. Rosenfarb takes a more proactive approach to vision recovery after CRVO, using integrative therapies that target circulation, oxygenation, and cell repair.

Ophthalmic Acupuncture

Specialized acupuncture systems (Micro Acupuncture 48, scalp acupuncture, auricular acupuncture) improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Alternating Current Microstimulation (ACS-3000)

A device developed by Dr. Rosenfarb to stimulate the retina and encourage repair of damaged cells.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Floods the retina with oxygen, bypassing the blocked vein.

“Hyperbaric is one of the best tools we have for getting oxygen into an eye that’s suffocating from a blocked vein.”

Low-Level Laser & Microcurrent

Reduce oxidative stress, promote mitochondrial repair, and improve retinal metabolism.

Nutrition & Supplements

• Enzymes (serrapeptase, nattokinase) to reduce clotting and break down fibrin
• Omega-3 DHA to rebuild nerve cells
• Antioxidants (lutein, zeaxanthin, glutathione) to protect from oxidative damage
• Herbs to calm inflammation and support vascular health

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Why Early Intervention Matters

Dr. Rosenfarb stresses:

“CRVO patients have a critical recovery window. If we can get blood flowing, reduce swelling, and feed the cells with oxygen and nutrients, we can often preserve and even restore vision. Waiting too long risks permanent loss.”

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Patient Story

A patient in her 60s came to the Eye Health Institute with CRVO and macular swelling. She was told by her retina specialist that injections might stabilize her eye but vision recovery was unlikely. After combining acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen, and targeted supplements for several weeks, she regained enough clarity to read large print and navigate confidently again.

Her case shows what’s possible when functional therapies are applied alongside conventional care.

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Taking the Next Step

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with CRVO:

• Don’t wait — seek early, aggressive care.
• Explore natural eye stroke recovery options.
• Learn about treatment modalities Dr. Rosenfarb uses.
• Consider scheduling a Telehealth consultation or in-office intensive program.

Your vision deserves the best chance at recovery.

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FAQs About CRVO

Is CRVO an emergency?
Yes. Sudden vision changes should be treated as a medical emergency.

Can vision return after CRVO?
Yes. Some patients regain vision naturally, but holistic therapies improve the odds.

What’s the difference between CRVO and CRAO?
CRAO is an artery blockage (oxygen supply cut off). CRVO is a vein blockage (blood drainage blocked). Both are serious.

How is CRVO treated?
Conventional options include injections and lasers. Holistic options include acupuncture, microstimulation, hyperbaric oxygen, and supplements.

Can CRVO happen in both eyes?
It usually occurs in one eye, but people with vascular disease or clotting disorders may be at risk in both.