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Retinal Artery Occlusion

Acute ischemic stroke of the retina with sudden painless vision loss.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Retinal Artery Occlusion?

Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is an acute ischemic event affecting the central retinal artery (CRAO) or one of its branches (BRAO), causing sudden painless monocular vision loss. It is the ocular equivalent of cerebral stroke and warrants identical urgent neurovascular evaluation.

Most cases result from carotid atheroembolism, cardiac embolism, giant cell arteritis or thrombosis. Retinal tissue tolerates ischemia for approximately 90-240 minutes; treatment within this window may salvage vision but evidence for intra-arterial thrombolysis remains limited.

Symptoms

Sudden painless monocular vision loss
Counting fingers, hand motion or light perception vision
Cherry-red spot on macula in CRAO
Pale, edematous retina with attenuated arterioles
Hollenhorst plaque (cholesterol embolus) at arteriolar bifurcation
Sectoral visual field defect in BRAO
Relative afferent pupillary defect

Risk Factors

Carotid atherosclerosis
Atrial fibrillation and cardioembolism
Giant cell arteritis (especially in patients over 60)
Hypertension and diabetes
Hypercoagulable states
Sickle cell disease
Vasculitis (lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden painless monocular vision loss — emergency
  • Persistent visual field defect
  • Associated transient ischemic attack symptoms
  • Headache, jaw claudication or scalp tenderness (giant cell arteritis)
  • Suspicion of carotid or cardiac embolic source
  • Recurrence after initial event

Treatment Methods

01
Emergency same-day ophthalmology and stroke evaluation
02
Ocular massage, anterior chamber paracentesis, IV acetazolamide (limited evidence)
03
Hyperbaric oxygen in select centers within hours
04
Urgent ESR/CRP and high-dose corticosteroids if giant cell arteritis suspected
05
Carotid Doppler, echocardiography and ECG monitoring
06
Antiplatelet or anticoagulation per stroke etiology
07
Risk factor modification (blood pressure, lipids, glucose)
08
Smoking cessation
09
Long-term neurovascular and ophthalmologic follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.