Blockage of a blood vessel that carries blood to the retina. The blockage usually results from a fat deposit or a blood clot that cuts off the blood supply to the retina, damaging the affected portion. The principal symptom of retinal artery occlusion is sudden blurring or blindness in one eye. Emergency treatment consists of massaging the eyeball, with the hope of dislodging the blockage before the retina is permanently damaged by the loss of blood. Carbon dioxide gas may be given to widen the artery and move the clot or fat deposit, thereby reducing the size of the affected area of the retina. Anticoagulant drugs are given to dissolve blood clots and restore normal blood flow. Even with treatment, some or all vision in the eye may be lost because of irreversible damage to the retina.
The obstruction of an artery responsible for providing blood to the retina, the light-sensitive inner layer located at the rear of the eye, often caused by thrombosis (the abnormal formation of blood clots) or embolism (when a blood clot or fatty deposit travels through the bloodstream to lodge in a different area). Retinal artery occlusion can impact either the primary retinal artery or one of its branches.
This condition can lead to abrupt vision loss or the disappearance of a portion of the visual field, both of which are painless and may be enduring. The degree of visual impairment hinges on the specific artery involved and the speed at which the condition can be addressed.