RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION

Summary

Retinal artery occlusion refers to blockage of the retinal artery carrying oxygen to the nerve cells in the retina at the back of the eye. The lack of oxygen delivery to the retina may result in severe loss of vision.

Causes

Retinal artery occlusion occurs due to blockage of the retinal artery, often by an embolus (a small piece of cholesterol that blocks blood flow) or thrombus (blood clot). The retinal artery occlusion may be transient and last for only a few seconds or minutes if the blockage breaks up and restores blood flow to the retina, or it may be permanent.

Symptoms

Retinal artery occlusion is usually associated with sudden painless loss of vision in one eye. The area of the retina affected by the blocked vessels determines the area and extent of visual loss.