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
