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Retinal Artery Occlusion is a condition that involves several important arteries of the eye  – the Retinal Arteries.

If these arteries become blocked by a blood clot or fat deposits – this is a significant problem – even with immediate treatment.

If there is hardening of the arteries (Atherosclerosis) in the eye – these blockages are more likely.

*** This is an Eye Emergency

Retina

The Retina is a layer of tissue in the back of the eye that has the ability to sense light.

Symptoms

–  Sudden blurring of vision
–  Sudden loss of vision
–  Can be the entire eye  (Central Occlusion)
–  Part of one eye  (Branch Occlusion)
–  Symptoms may last for a few seconds or minutes
–  Symptoms may be permanent
–  Often there is no pain in the eye.

Other Risks for Clots

1.)  Diabetes
2.)  High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
3.)  Carotid Artery Disease
4.)  Heart Rhythm problem (Atrial Fibrillation)
5.)  Heart Valve problem
6.)  Elevated fat in blood  (Hyperlipidemia)
7.)  IV Drug use
8.)  Temporal Artheritis

Eye Testing

–  Pupil reflex testing
–  Retinal examination
–  Dilating the pupil
–  Retinal Photography
–  Slit Lamp Examination
–  Visual Acuity
–  Others

Treatment

1.)  There is no proven treatment for vision loss when the entire eye is involved unless symptoms are caused by another illness.

2.)  Clot busting drug may be used – tissue plaminogen activator (tPA)

3.)  Massage the Eye