Experimental retinal branch vein occlusion in rhesus monkeys. III. Histopathological and electron microscopical studies.

Experimental retinal vein occlusion in monkeys was followed by an immediate increase in capillary permeability which was accompanied by retinal oedema. This functional capillary change was followed at about 6 hours after occlusion by structural damage to the capillary wall. Thrombus formation occurred in the damaged vessels, and areas of stasis were thus produced with associated retinal haemorrhages. Finally, there was complete loss of the capillary endothelium and pericytes, and the acellular capillaries were invaded by proliferating glial cell processes, so producing permanent capillary closure.