A retinal artery occlusion occurs when blood flow to the retina is blocked. Often described as a “stroke of the eye,” this condition can cause sudden vision loss and requires urgent evaluation.
A retinal artery occlusion (RAO) happens when one of the arteries that supply blood to the retina becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot or cholesterol plaque. This cuts off oxygen to the retina and can result in sudden vision loss.
There are two main types:
Blockage of the main artery supplying the retina, leading to severe vision loss.
Blockage of a smaller artery branch, affecting only part of the visual field.
Because symptoms are abrupt, RAOs are considered a medical emergency.
Symptoms often develop suddenly and may include:
Diagnosis typically includes:
Reveals retinal changes caused by blocked blood flow.
Provides cross-sectional imaging of the retina.
Tracks blood flow through the retinal vessels.
Patients may also need cardiovascular evaluation to identify the source of the blockage.
There is no guaranteed way to restore vision after an RAO, but immediate treatment may help limit damage. Options include:
Sometimes used in the acute phase.
May help restore oxygen to retinal tissue.
Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes to prevent future blockages.
Because RAOs are linked to systemic vascular disease, patients often require urgent evaluation by a primary care doctor or neurologist.
Patients may need to adjust to partial or permanent vision loss after an RAO. Helpful steps include:
If you experience sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, seek emergency care immediately. If a retinal artery occlusion is suspected, your eye care provider can coordinate urgent evaluation and specialized treatment with our team.
