Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Flashcards
What does the retinal artery supply?
The retina
What is the retinal artery a branch of?
Ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery.
What is the main cause of central retinal artery occlusion?
Atherosclerosis
What is central retinal artery occlusion a differential of?
Sudden, painless loss of vision
Is central retinal artery occlusion unilateral or bilateral?
Unilateral
What are the potential causes of central retinal artery occlusion?
Thromboembolism- from atherosclerosis
Arteritis- temporal arteritis
What signs are present of fundoscopy of someone with central retinal artery occlusion?
Pale retina
Cherry red spot in the macula
Why does the retina appear pale in someone with central retinal artery occlusion?
Lack of perfusion with blood
What is the cherry red spot in someone with central retinal artery occlusion?
Thinner surface that shows the red coloured choroid below
What are the potential risk factors for central retinal artery occlusion?
- Older age
- Family history
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Poor diet
- Inactivity
- Obesity
What is the management of someone with central retinal artery occlusion?
Urgent referral to an ophthalmologist
What is an important potentially reversible cause of central retinal artery occlusion?
Giant cell arteritis
Who is more at risk of giant cell arteritis?
White females over the age of 50
