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Who can develop eye thrombosis? Risk factors

Anyone who suffers from an eye thrombosis is often subject to certain risk factors or underlying diseases. Organic pre-existing diseases, other diseases in the eye as well as the preferred lifestyle all have an influence on the risk. Find out below about risk factors and what you can do for healthy eyes.

Previous illnesses as risk factors for an eye thrombosis

Anyone who already has a vascular disease has an increased risk of developing a venous obstruction in the eye. The known risk factors for an eye thrombosis are as follows:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (arteriosclerosis)

    Not only the presence of a cardiovascular disease, but the sole risk of atherosclerosis also increases the risk of an eye thrombosis. Such risks can be reduced by changing lifestyle.

  • High blood pressure

    Around half of the German population suffers from high blood pressure, which is usually due to an unhealthy lifestyle. The constant stress on the vessels also occurs in the eye and is therefore a risk factor for a thrombosis in the eye.

  • Diabetes

    Those who suffer from diabetes also have to struggle with secondary diseases such as vascular damage. In addition to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema , diabetes is also a risk factor for thrombosis in the eye.

  • Lipid metabolism disorders (dyslipidemia)

    A lipid metabolism disorder poses a risk to the blood vessels because it can lead to deposits in the blood vessels. That is why a disorder of the lipid metabolism is also one of the risk factors for the eyes.

  • Changes in blood count

    If the blood count changes in a certain way or if patients suffer from a blood clotting disorder, this poses a risk to the vessels in the eye. The clumping caused by this can cause a retinal-vein-occlusion .

Other eye diseases as risk factors for eye thrombosis

Existing eye diseases can also be the cause or a risk factor for an eye thrombosis. The pre-existing conditions include:

  • the increased intraocular pressure in the case of undetected or insufficiently treated glaucoma, which is often above all a Causes central vein occlusion and
  • the glandular papilla, a change with calcification of the optic nerve head

Unhealthy lifestyle as risk factor for eye thrombosis

Those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle increase the risk of bad eye health and eye thrombosis.

  • Smoking

    The consumption of tobacco products (nicotine) is generally bad for the blood vessels in the body. Since nicotine constricts the blood vessels and promotes vein occlusion, it is also a risk for eye diseases. In combination with a pre-existing vascular disease, the risk increases even more.

  • Sedentary lifestyle

    Exercise is good for the blood vessels. However, a lack of exercise can cause blood vessels to become diseased and thus also pose a risk to the eye.

  • Obesity

    Obesity is a strain on the blood vessels and therefore also a risk for the blood vessels in the eye. A healthy lifestyle with exercise and healthy eating helps to reduce obesity and also lower the risk of vascular diseases.

  • Unhealthy diet

    A diet that is particularly rich in fat and sugar is considered unhealthy and can damage the entire body. Vessels, including those in the eye, suffer from an unhealthy diet and this is therefore a risk factor.

  • Insufficient hydration

    A lack of fluid in the body is a risk factor for an eye thrombosis, because if the body lacks water, the blood thickens and can no longer flow optimally in the blood vessels.

Reduce risk factors for eye thrombosis and avoid vein occlusion in the eye

Some of the risk factors mentioned for a possible eye thrombosis can be influenced positively. A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, enough exercise and not using nicotine have a positive effect on the health of the blood vessels. The previous illnesses mentioned can also be improved in this way.

We also recommend regular preventive ophthalmological examinations, especially for high-risk patients, in order to identify possible risk factors in good time. For diabetics, for example, the annual visit to the ophthalmologist is important.

Don't be afraid of the ophthalmologist!

Our ophthalmological practice has specialized in the detection and treatment of retinal diseases. We use the latest technologies in ophthalmology, we work very sensitively, absolutely sterile and particularly precisely, so that examinations and treatment can be experienced quickly and painlessly.