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Retinal artery occlusion is a blockage of the blood supply in the arteries to the retina -- the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye.
Alternative NamesCentral retinal artery occlusion; Branch retinal artery occlusion; CRAO; BRAO
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsRetinal arteries may become blocked by a blood clot or substances (such as fat or plaque) that get stuck in the arteries. These blockages may occur due to hardening of the arteries in the eye.
Also, clots may travel from other parts of the body and block an artery in the retina. A common source of a clot would be from the carotid artery in the neck or from the heart lining.
Most clots are caused by conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Disease of the two large blood vessels in the neck (carotid artery disease)
- Disorder of high blood fats (hyperlipidemia)
- Heart rhythm problem (atrial fibrillation)
- High blood pressure
If a branch of the retinal artery is blocked, part of the artery will not have enough blood and oxygen. If this happens, you may lose part of your vision.
Retinal artery blockage or occlusions may last from only a few seconds to a few minutes. They also may cause permanent vision loss. The amount of vision loss is partly related to the location of the blockage.
People with retinal arterial occlusion, whether it is temporary or permanent, have a risk of stroke because clots may also move to the brain.
Retinal vessel occlusion more often affects older people. Risk factors are related to the disorders that cause the blockage.
Symptoms- Sudden blurring or loss of vision in all or part of one eye
Tests to evaluate the retina may include:
- Color vision
- Examination of the retina after the pupil is dilated
- Fluorescein angiography
- Intraocular pressure
- Pupil reflex response
- Refraction test
- Retinal photography
- Slit lamp examination
- Testing of side vision (visual field examination)
- Test that measures the electrical activity of the retina (electroretinogram)
- Visual acuity
Tests to identify the source of a clot from another part of the body:
- Echocardiogram
- Heart monitor for abnormal heart rhythm
- Ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries
Other tests may include:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Complete physical exam
Breathing in (inhaling) a carbon dioxide-oxygen mixture has been used to treat blockages in the arteries. This treatment causes the arteries of the retina to widen (dilate). It may allow the clot to move down the artery and sometimes break up, which reduces the area of the retina that is affected.
The health care provider should look for the cause of the blockage. Blockages may be signs of a life-threatening medical problem. Patients with retinal artery occlusions should be screened for:
- Cranial arteritis
- Carotid artery blockage
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
The use of the clot-busting drug, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), within a few hours of retinal artery occlusion may be helpful.
Expectations (prognosis)People with blockages of the retinal artery may not get their vision back.
Complications- Partial or complete loss of vision in the affected eye
- Similar problem occurring again in the same or the other eye
- Stroke
Call your health care provider if you have sudden blurring or vision loss.
PreventionMeasures used to prevent other blood vessel (vascular) diseases, such as coronary artery disease, may decrease the risk of retinal artery occlusion. These include:
- Eating a low-fat diet
- Exercising
- Stopping smoking
- Losing weight if you are overweight
Aspirin is commonly used to prevent the artery from becoming blocked again.
ReferencesVortmann M, Schneider JI. Acute monocular visual loss. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2008;26:73-96.
Pokhrel PK, Loftus SA. Ocular emergencies. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:829-836.
What else can I help you with?
What is a retinal artery occlusion?
Retinal artery occlusion refers to the closure of the central retinal artery and usually results in complete loss of vision in one eye.
How is retinal artery occlusion diagnosed?
RAO is diagnosed by examination of the retina with an ophtalmoscope.
Is retinal vein occlusion related to root canal work?
Retinal Vein OcclusionThe central retinal vein is the venous equivalent of the central retinal artery, and like that blood vessel can suffer from occlusion (central retinal vein occlusion), similar to that seen in ocular ischemic syndrome. Since the central retinal artery and vein are the sole source of blood supply and drainage for the retina, such occlusion can lead to severe damage to the retina and blindness, due to ischemia (restriction in blood supply) and edema (swelling). It can also cause glaucoma.
What is the most common symptom of retinal artery occlusion?
The most common symptom of RAO is an acute, painless loss of vision in one eye. The degree of loss depends on the location of the occlusion.
What is carotid artery occlusion blockage?
Carotid artery occlusion blockage means that there is complete blockage of the artery. This is very serious, as complete blockage of the artery can cause a stroke.
How can retinal artery occlusion be prevented?
Individuals affected by underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, and elevated cholesterol should treat their conditions appropriately
What is complete closure of an artery?
occlusion
Which term describes the blocking of an artery by the clot?
thrombotic occlusion
What is renal artery occlusion?
Renal artery occlusion is a blockage of the major arteries that supply blood to the kidneys caused by thrombosis or embolism.
What increases the risk of retinal artery occlusion?
high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes as an underlying condition. Other conditions that may increase the risk of RAO include high cholesterol and glaucoma.
What causes pale optic?
A pale optic nerve is usually not a good sign. It is usually seen in people with advanced glaucoma, after a central retinal vein or artery occlusion, or with certain optic neuritis cases.
What causes pale optic nerve?
A pale optic nerve is usually not a good sign. It is usually seen in people with advanced glaucoma, after a central retinal vein or artery occlusion, or with certain optic neuritis cases.
