What does arteriovenous nicking mean?

Retinal arteriovenous nicking (AV nicking) is the phenomenon where the venule is compressed or decreases in its caliber at both sides of an arteriovenous crossing. Recent research suggests that retinal AVN is associated with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke.

What causes arteriovenous nicking?

This is most commonly seen in eye disease caused by high blood pressure (hypertensive retinopathy). It is thought that, since the arteriole and venule share a common sheath, the arteriole’s thicker walls push against those of the venule forcing the venule to collapse.

Is AV nicking serious?

Arteriovenous nicking is a major predisposing factor to the development of a branch retinal vein occlusion. If acute disease is severe, the following can develop: Superficial flame-shaped hemorrhages. Small, white, superficial foci of retinal ischemia (cotton-wool spots)

How common is AV nicking?

Focal arteriolar narrowing was present at baseline in at least one eye of 162 survivors (6.9%) and severe AV nicking was present in 187 people (8.1%).

Can hypertensive retinopathy be cured?

Treating hypertensive retinopathy typically involves controlling high blood pressure through lifestyle changes, medication and careful monitoring. Through this, the condition can be halted, and the damage may slowly heal.

What is AV crossing changes?

AV crossing changes occur when a thickened arteriole crosses over a venule and subsequently compresses it as the vessels share a common adventitious sheath. The vein, in turn, appears dilated and torturous distal to the AV crossing.

What can be done for a retinal hemorrhage?

Options include:

• Using a laser. Laser surgery can repair a retinal tear or hole.
• Shrinking abnormal blood vessels.
• Freezing.
• Injecting air or gas into your eye.
• Indenting the surface of your eye.
• Evacuating and replacing the fluid in the eye.
• Injecting medicine into the eye.
• Implanting a retinal prosthesis.

Can you exercise with a retinal hemorrhage?

If you have an active retinal hemorrhage or notice sudden, dramatic changes in your sight, stop any activity you are doing immediately and check with your eye doctor for further guidance. Luckily, exercise does not appear to worsen nephropathy–otherwise known as kidney disease– common to diabetes.

What is AV nicking in the eye?

It is characterized by the decrease in the venular caliber at both sides of an artery-vein crossing. Recent research suggests that retinal AV nicking is a strong predictor of eye diseases such as branch retinal vein occlusion and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke.

What is Arteriovenous nicking?

Arteriovenous nicking, also known as AV nicking, is the phenomenon where, on examination of the eye, a small artery ( arteriole) is seen crossing a small vein ( venule ), which results in the compression of the vein with bulging on either side of the crossing.

What is retinal arteriovenous (AV) nicking?

Retinal arteriovenous (AV) nicking is one of the prominent and significant microvascular abnormalities. It is characterized by the decrease in the venular caliber at both sides of an artery-vein crossing.

What is a positive simulation of ophthalmic disease?

Simulation can be defined as malingering, or sometimes functional visual loss (FVL). It manifests as either simulating an ophthalmic disease (positive simulation), or denial of ophthalmic disease (negative simulation). Conscious behavior and compensation or indemnity claims are prominent features of simulation.