Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is characterized by obstruction of retinal vein blood flow, distended flexion, retinal hemorrhage, edema, and neovascularization, and its pathogenesis is not completely clear. Recent studies have found that endothelin (ET)-1, ETA receptor and ETA signaling pathways in the ET system may be involved in the occurrence and development of RVO by stimulating vasoconstriction to increase retinal vein pressure and inducing the expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. In-depth understanding of the correlation between the ET system and the occurrence and development of RVO can provide new ideas for further research on the pathogenesis of RVO.