203-281-5745 | 877-659-2020

Jeffrey D. Gold, MD, FACS
is a leader in the field of Refractive Surgery and has been performing Laser Vision Correction since 1995

Loss of Vision CT - Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Retinal artery occlusion is a blockage in one of the small arteries that carry blood to the retina. The retina is a layer of tissue in the back of the eye that is able to sense light. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion is the sudden, painless and complete loss of vision in one eye caused by complete blockage of the main artery to the retina.

Retinal arteries can get blocked for a number of reasons such as blood clots or fat deposits. This is more likely if there is hardening of the arteries, called atherosclerosis. Clots can travel from other parts of the body and block the retinal artery. The most common source for the clots is from the carotid artery in the neck.

These clots occur most commonly in people with the following conditions. These conditions increase the risk of retinal artery occlusion.

Carotid artery disease, a condition in which the two large blood vessels in the neck become narrowed or blocked
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
Heart disease
Heart rhythm problems
Heart valve problems
High blood pressure
Intravenous drug abuse
Glaucoma

If a part of the artery is blocked, blood will not reach the retina. This may cause you to lose your vision. Symptoms of retinal artery occlusion include blurring or loss of vision in all of or part of the eye. Typically, patients present with symptoms that include sudden, severe, and painless loss of vision. Retinal artery occlusion can last for a few minutes or it can be permanent. If the blood clot moves to another part of the body, you may even develop a stroke. Research has shown that retinal cells become irreversibly damaged after the vessel is occluded for more than 45 minutes.

Artery occlusion is diagnosed by examining the retina with an ophthalmoscope. Unfortunately, there is no treatment to cure the effects of Retinal Artery Occlusion and restore a person’s vision. In rare cases, recovery may be possible if detected within the first hour and treated urgently and aggressively by the ophthalmologist. It is imperative in case of sudden loss of vision to seek ophthamological help immediately!!!!!!!

Back to All About Eyes Home Page

For your convenience we offer several methods for payment. We work with a company for interest-free financing

We accept these major credit cards.

Procedures We Offer

Patient Forms

Patient Testimonial