Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Acute central retinal artery occlusion causes sudden painless visual loss occurring over several

seconds.

In the acute stage, the retina in the posterior pole loses its transparency and acquires a whitish

appearance. A cherry red spot is present in the region of the foveola.

The pathophysiologic process responsible for a central retinal artery obstruction can include

The following:

• Circulatory collapse
• Dissecting aneurysm
• Emboli
• Hemorrhage under an atherosclerotic plaque
• Hypertensive arterial necrosis
• Intraluminal thrombosis
• Spasm
• Vasculitis

Associated systemic abnormalities can be found in approximately 90% of affected patients:

• Cardiac valvular disease
• Carotid atherosclerosis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Systemic arterial hypertension