Retinal artery occlusion

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Retinal artery occlusion is a medical condition that occurs when the flow of blood through one of the arteries that supplies the retina is blocked. This can lead to sudden and severe vision loss.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The most common cause of retinal artery occlusion is a thrombus or embolus that blocks the artery. Other causes can include vasculitis, arteriosclerosis, and hypercoagulable states.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of retinal artery occlusion is sudden, painless vision loss. The extent of the vision loss can vary depending on the location and extent of the occlusion.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Retinal artery occlusion is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. This can include a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and fluorescein angiography.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for retinal artery occlusion is aimed at restoring blood flow to the retina as quickly as possible. This can include medications to dissolve the clot or reduce inflammation, as well as procedures to remove the clot or bypass the blocked artery.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for retinal artery occlusion can vary depending on the extent of the occlusion and the time elapsed before treatment is initiated. In some cases, vision can be partially or fully restored.

See also[edit | edit source]

Template:Eye-diseases-stub Template:Vascular-diseases-stub Template:Medical-emergencies-stub

Retinal artery occlusion Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD