Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Question 1

What is central retinal artery occlusion?

Answer 1

Central retinal artery occlusion is when the retina becomes cloudy with attenuated vessels and “cherry-red” spot at the fovea, the center of the macula.

Question 2

How does central retinal artery occlusion present?

Answer 2

Acute, painless monocular vision loss.

Question 3

What should you evaluate patients with central retinal artery occlusion for?

Answer 3

Evaluate for embolic sources:

1. carotid artery atherosclerosis
2. cardiac vegetations
3. patent foramen ovale