Conditions We Treat

Retinal Artery Occlusion

A blockage in the retinal artery is a vision emergency. Prompt evaluation is critical — and may have implications for your overall cardiovascular health.

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What Is Retinal Artery Occlusion?

Retinal artery occlusion occurs when blood flow through an artery supplying the retina is suddenly blocked, most commonly by a clot or embolus. This deprives retinal tissue of oxygen and can cause rapid, severe, and often permanent vision loss. It is sometimes referred to as a "stroke of the eye."

Types

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO): The main artery to the retina is blocked, typically causing sudden, painless loss of vision across the entire eye.
Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO): A smaller branch is blocked, causing vision loss in a portion of the visual field.

Why Urgent Evaluation Matters

This is a medical emergency. Retinal artery occlusion can be a warning sign of an impending stroke. Patients should be evaluated emergently — both by a retina specialist and in an emergency or stroke setting — to address the underlying cause and reduce the risk of further events.

Symptoms

Sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye
Vision loss that may be complete or affect only part of the visual field
Occasionally preceded by brief episodes of temporary vision loss (amaurosis fugax)

Evaluation and Management

Workup includes retinal imaging, fluorescein angiography, and urgent systemic evaluation for cardiovascular risk factors including carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypercoagulable states. Vision recovery depends on the severity and duration of the blockage.

Urgent

Sudden vision loss requires immediate attention

If you have experienced sudden painless vision loss in one eye, please seek evaluation immediately.