Visual Loss Flashcards
List the main causes of sudden visual loss
Vitreous haemorrhage Retinal detachment Wet age-related macular degeneration Closed-angle glaucoma Optic neuritis Stroke
What are the 2 main branches of the ophthalmic artery?
Central retinal artery
Posterior ciliary artery
Which part of the retina does the central retinal artery supply?
Inner 2/3 (including ganglion cells)
Which part of the retina does the posterior ciliary artery supply?
Outer 1/3 (photoreceptors, pigment layer)
Visual loss caused by central retinal artery occlusion is associated with pain. True/False?
False
Painless unless assoc. with GCA
Relative afferent pupillary defect is evident in central retinal artery occlusion. What is this?
When a light is shone on the right eye, the right eye constricts but the left eye dilates
Describe the appearance of the retina in central retinal artery occlusion
Pale
Oedematous
Thread-like vessels
Swelling
Outline ophthalmic management of central retinal artery occlusion within 24hrs
Ocular massage (try to convert CRAO into BRAO)
Outline vascular management of central retinal artery occlusion
Carotid Doppler (establish source) Manage risk factors
What is another name for transient central retinal artery occlusion?
Amaurosis fugax
Describe visual loss in amaurosis fugax
Transient/partial loss “like a curtain” that lasts up to 5mins with full recovery
Amaurosis fugax patients require immediate referral to which clinic?
TIA clinic
List causes of central retinal vein occlusion
Atherosclerosis
Hypertension
Hyperviscosity
Raised intra-ocular pressure
How does atherosclerosis cause central retinal vein occlusion?
Arterial thickening presses on vein to cause altered blood flow, resulting in stasis and occlusion
Describe the appearance of the retina in central retinal vein occlusion
Haemorrhages
Dilated, tortuous veins
Disc swelling
Macular swelling
Which growth factor may be suppressed as part of treatment for central retinal vein occlusion?
VEGF
The retina appears pale in central retinal artery occlusion and dark in central retinal vein occlusion. True/False?
True
Give another name for occlusion of the optic nerve head
Ischaemic optic neuropathy