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		Blood Vessel Blockages (Occlusions)
		Occasionally a blockage can occur in one of the main vessels, either bringing blood into the eye or taking the blood away. If there is a blockage of the supply into the eye the retina will become 'parched' and die, just like a garden deprived of water, leading to a pale area, as in the picture below. Photo by permission of the Internet Ophthalmology Society The above shows the effect of blockage of an artery bringing blood to the eye. Should the blockage occur in a vein taking blood away from the eye, blood can still pump in, leading to a characteristic 'bombed' appearance as the blood bursts forth (see below). Photo by permission of the Internet Ophthalmology Society To the patient, the effect on the vision of the blockage (occlusion) will ultimately be the same - any retinal area deprived of proper blood supply will die, with vision lost in the area which corresponds to where the supply has been interrupted. A vein blockage, as shown above, gives rise to an extremely sudden visual problem, the moment the haemorrhage occurs.

Blood Vessel Blockages (Occlusions)