Recent advances in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion with traditional Chinese medicine.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO), ranking second only to diabetic retinopathy as a cause of vision loss, imparts substantial morbidity through its disruption of retinal blood flow. This review scrutinizes the complex etiology of RVO, encompassing thrombotic incidents, hemodynamic imbalances, and the inflammatory cytokine milieu. The prevailing clinical strategies for RVO, predominantly anti-VEGF interventions and corticosteroid therapies, exhibit limitations, notably the requirement for frequent injections and potential induction of ocular hypertension. We underscore the growing interest in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a complementary approach to conventional treatments, using its holistic approach to address RVO's circulatory and inflammatory roots. TCM's methodology, inclusive of diverse herbal compounds and acupuncture, suggests potential in augmenting retinal blood flow and regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Emerging clinical evidence points to TCM's efficacy in enhancing visual acuity and diminishing the requisite frequency of anti-VEGF injections for RVO treatment. It is necessary for further research to elucidate the mechanisms of action of TCM components and to optimize their integration into RVO treatment protocols. As our comprehension of RVO's complex pathophysiology expands, the integration of TCM into modern ophthalmic practice may offer a more personalized and comprehensive approach to RVO management, holding promise for improved visual preservation and quality of life for affected patients.

© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.