Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Vision Emergency That Demands Immediate Care
Sudden vision loss can be frightening, and in some cases, it’s a true medical emergency. One such condition is retinal artery occlusion (RAO) that disrupts the oxygen-rich blood supply to the retina. Without treatment, RAO can cause acute vision loss.
For retinal health care, choosing the right specialist can make all the difference. With over 40 years of experience in providing retinal care, Retina Consultants, P.C. provides diagnosis and treatment for retinal artery occlusion and other conditions. Visit any of our five locations in Connecticut to experience fast, expert care when every second counts.
What is retinal artery occlusion?
The retina, a light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, requires a constant blood supply due to its high oxygen demand. In rare cases, the arteries that supply blood to the retina can be blocked, depriving the retina of nutrients and oxygen. Also known as an eye stroke, retinal artery occlusion affects your vision almost instantly.
Retinal artery occlusion is categorized into two distinct types:
- Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO): It’s a blockage in the main artery (ophthalmic artery) supplying the retina. The good news? About 25% of patients with CRAO have an additional artery, the cilioretinal artery, in the eye. As long as this artery is not affected, CRAO may not cause significant damage.
- Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO): It’s a blockage in a smaller branch artery that may affect vision on one side of the eye.
RAO occurs when a retinal artery is blocked, often by a blood clot or plaque (embolus). The blockage can be permanent or transient, lasting a few minutes if the clot breaks up. The common risk factors for RAO include heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and blood-clotting disorders.
What are the symptoms of eye stroke?
Your retina is a living tissue that requires a constant blood supply. When this flow is disrupted, you may notice several symptoms, including:
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye
- Blurred or dim vision
- A dark area or shadow in your field of view
- Difficulty seeing clearly in certain areas
Because symptoms can appear without pain, it’s critical to act quickly if anything feels off.
How do you treat retinal artery occlusion?
Retinal artery occlusion is a time-sensitive condition. The sooner you receive care, the better the chances of minimizing vision loss. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent damage and increase the risk of other serious health events.
Currently, there is no clinically proven treatment for RAO. However, lowering intraocular pressure with medication and paracentesis has shown promising results when treatment is sought within 4-6 hours of symptom onset. Other therapies include ocular massage and hyperventilation to try to dislodge the clot. Sometimes, complications of RAO may include retinal bleeding and swelling. For such cases, your retina specialist may recommend laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF medications.
An important aspect of managing RAO is identifying and addressing risk factors that may lead to other vascular problems. The blood vessels that supply the eye also supply the brain. A retinal artery occlusion may be an indicator of an impending stroke. Holistic care helps protect your vision and systemic health.
Do you need treatment for retinal artery occlusion in Connecticut?
An eye stroke is more than just a vision problem. It’s a warning sign that your overall health needs attention. At Retina Consultants, P.C., you’ll receive not only expert eye care but also guidance to help protect your long-term well-being.
To get started, call any of our offices at:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
