Imagine waking up one morning to find that your vision has suddenly become blurry or completely disappeared from one eye. This alarming occurrence is the reality for many people who have experienced retinal artery occlusion. This medical emergency requires swift diagnosis and treatment to preserve sight and prevent further complications.
At Infinity Retina, we pride ourselves on being a leading provider of specialized retina and macula care in Media, PA. We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options for various retinal conditions, including retinal occlusions. When it comes to your vision, don't wait—schedule an appointment with us today for a thorough evaluation and expert care.
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Understanding the differences between different types of retinal artery occlusion can help you recognize the symptoms and seek timely medical attention.
Understanding Retinal Artery Occlusion
Retinal artery occlusion is a serious and sudden reduction of blood flow through the retinal arteries, which carry blood to the retina. The retina, which processes images and sends them to the brain, is a crucial component of vision. When a blockage, often caused by a blood clot, obstructs these arteries, the result can be swift and severe vision loss.
Several risk factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing retinal artery occlusion, including:
- The buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Myxoma, or heart tumors
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Sickle cell disease
- History of intravenous drug use
This condition presents in two primary forms: central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). Each impacts vision differently, but both require immediate attention due to their implications for lasting vision damage. Since the retina requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, the window for successful intervention is short, making immediate medical attention especially important.
What is Central Retinal Artery Occlusion?
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a condition where the main artery that supplies blood to the retina becomes obstructed, leading to a sudden loss of vision. This is often due to an embolism or a clot that travels to the central retinal artery and blocks blood flow, preventing the retina from functioning properly.
The symptoms of CRAO are typically sudden and dramatic, most notably a painless loss of vision in one eye. This loss can range from partial blurriness to complete blindness. Patients might also notice a 'shadow' or 'curtain' descending over their field of vision. Due to the urgent nature of CRAO, individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention to improve the likelihood of preserving their sight.
What is Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion?
Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) is characterized by the blockage of one of the smaller arteries branching off the central retinal artery, interrupting blood flow to a portion of the retina. Though CRAO and BRAO affect different parts of the retinal arteries, they are ultimately both caused by the same underlying issue: a blockage or clot.
In terms of symptoms, individuals with BRAO may experience sudden and painless partial vision loss, which may manifest as blurry vision or visual field defects. Unlike central retinal artery occlusion, which often results in total vision loss in the affected eye, BRAO typically affects a smaller area, leading to differing degrees of visual disruption depending on which branch is occluded. This could range from having a blind spot to experiencing a pattern of abnormal vision that could appear as shadows or sectors of loss in one's sight.
How Retinal Artery Occlusions are Diagnosed
Identifying retinal artery occlusions promptly is critical for effectively treating the condition and preserving vision. Several diagnostic tests are utilized to accurately diagnose both CRAO and BRAO:
- Fluorescein Angiography: This test involves injecting a special dye into the bloodstream, which highlights the blood vessels in the retina under a blue light. It allows your eye doctor to see any blockages or abnormalities in real-time.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT uses light waves to take cross-section images of the retina, offering detailed views of its layers.
- Fundus Photography: High-resolution images of the interior surface of the eye, including the retina, providing valuable information about the blood flow and structure.
At Infinity Retina, our board-certified ophthalmologist and retinal specialist, Dr. A’sha Brown, utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to accurately and quickly diagnose retinal artery occlusions.
Treatment Options for Retinal Artery Occlusion
Once a retinal artery occlusion is diagnosed, immediate intervention is necessary to preserve vision. These immediate treatment options may include:
- Hyperventilation: In certain cases, this treatment (which involves breathing in a mixture of 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide) can help dilate the retinal arteries and dislodge a clot.
- Ocular Massage: This simple technique involves applying gentle pressure to the patient's closed eyes, which can help increase blood flow to the retina and dislodge a clot.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be administered to dissolve a clot or break it up, improving blood flow to the retina rapidly.
- Paracentesis: This procedure involves draining fluid from the front of the eye, decreasing pressure, and allowing for better blood flow.
In terms of longer-term strategies, managing underlying health conditions that contribute to artery occlusions is crucial for preventing future events. This might involve controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting smoking. If you have any cardiovascular concerns, such as heart rhythm abnormalities, it's important to speak to your primary care provider or a specialist for appropriate management and treatment.
Schedule Your Appointment at Infinity Retina Today
Retinal artery occlusions pose serious risks to vision, demanding swift diagnosis and immediate treatment. Infinity Retina, led by Dr. A’sha Brown, is equipped with both the expertise and technology to address these conditions effectively.
Don't wait to protect your vision. Schedule an appointment with Infinity Retina today and take the first step in preserving your eyesight.
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