Retinal artery occlusion

Question 1

definition of retinal artery occlusion

Answer 1

occlusion of the artery supplying the inner retina causing cell death and loss of vision

Question 2

presentation of retinal artery occlusion

Answer 2

• painless unilateral vision loss
• amaurosis fugax
• reduced visual acuity
• vasculitis/atherosclerosis history

Question 3

causes of retinal artery occlusion

Answer 3

• atheroma
• carotid/cardiac emboli
• arteritis
• raised IOP

Question 4

diagnosis of retinal artery occlusion

Answer 4

• reduced vision
• relative afferent pupillary defect
• pale retina with cherry red spot
• segmentation of retinal vessels

Question 5

management of retinal artery occlusion

Answer 5

if within 8 hours:
- iv acetazolamide
- ocular massage
- anterior chamber paracentesis
- re-breathing into a paper bag
- monitor ESR, CRP
- give aspirin