What causes a retinal artery occlusion?
A retinal artery occlusion is a condition where a blockage develops in one of the retinal arteries causing a sudden onset of a blind spot or blurred vision. There are several possible causes of retinal artery occlusions, but the most common is carotid artery disease. In this situation, cholesterol plaque travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in one of the small retinal arteries. A blockage in the retina’s main artery is called a central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), while a blockage in one of the smaller arteries is called a branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO).
Is a retinal artery occlusion serious?
A retinal artery occlusion is the equivalent of an ocular stroke, and it is a very serious condition as it can cause vision loss and is associated with an increased risk of a cerebral stroke. The amount of vision loss from a retinal artery occlusion depends on how much of the retina is affected by the blockage.
To manage this condition, it is important to treat any underlying ocular causes and work closely with a patient’s medical doctor to optimize the management of any cardiovascular risk factors. In most cases, there is no effective treatment to reverse the damage caused by retinal artery occlusions, but patients must be followed closely by a retina specialist because certain eyes may be at risk of developing severe glaucoma which can lead to vision loss, pain, and even eye loss without treatment.