Retinal Artery Occlusion

Definition/ Etiology:

Vision loss caused by hypoperfusion secondary to sudden occlusion of the retinal artery

Emboli made up of

• Cholesterol

• Calcium

• Platelet

Pathophysiology:

Retinal artery enters the optic nerve and supplies the retina. Occlusion due to clot formation mentioned above causes ischemia and eventual necrosis leading to vision loss.

Clinical Presentation:

• Sudden, painless vision loss – most commonly in one eye

• Hx of atherosclerotic disease

Collaborative Management:

• Fundoscopic exam
• CT head to r/o hemorrhage prior to treatment
• Labs
• BMP (glucose)
• CBC (infection?)
• PT/INR
• PTT
• ESR/CRP
• Digital ocular massage
• Hyperventilation to induce vasodilation
• Thrombolytic therapy

Evaluation | Patient Monitoring | Education:

• Monitor symptoms
• Visual acuity
• Outpatients follow up

Linchpins: (Key Points)

• Sudden, painless vision loss
• Monocular
• Stroke of the eye