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The occlusion of the central retinal artery is one of the most serious diseases. Its most common cause is the entry into this artery of blood clots that are formed in patients with heart or atherosclerosis. The patient experiences severe visual impairment and visual field defects due to sudden retinal ischemia. After only a dozen or so minutes, irreversible damage to the retina and loss of vision occur.
Central retinal artery occlusion – definition
The occlusion of the central retinal artery is a condition characterized by visual disturbance. Patients experience visual field defects or blindness due to the formation of blood clots and blockages in the vessels that supply blood to the eye. The arteries of the retina can sometimes contract temporarily, causing temporary ischemia and visual disturbances. These spasms often appear in migraine, during poisoning (e.g. pregnancy), and even after strong emotions or sudden cooling of the limbs. After the contraction subsides, the function of the retina returns to normal, and after a dozen or so minutes, irreversible damage to the retina appears, and hence loss of vision. Usually, patients come too late for treatment. It is imperative that the internist cooperates with the ophthalmologist in the treatment.
Causes of the embolism of the central retinal artery
Many factors can influence the closure of the central retinal artery, including:
- entry of blood clots from heart disease into the artery of the retina;
- embolism due to bacteria penetrating into the vascular system of the eye from the foci of infection,
- infectious diseases, e.g. influenza,
- mechanical injuries, e.g. fractures – can lead to blockage of the artery.
Symptoms of occlusion of the central retinal artery
Above all, patients with this ailment experience sudden and complete loss of vision. Then the patient’s pupils do not react to light because it is not perceived by the ischemic retina. An ophthalmological examination reveals swelling and pallor of the retina, which may be due to tiny blockages, clots or dissecting aneurysm. In addition, the patient does not feel pain.
Similar symptoms also occur in embolism in the branches of the central retinal artery, the main cause of which are blockages transferred from another part of the bloodstream, e.g. from the heart cavities. This type of ailment may appear due to a disturbance in the coagulation system or due to inflammation of the arteries.
Diagnostics of the closure of the central retinal artery
The disease is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist who, on the basis of the fundus examination, is able to identify the area affected by ischemia. Another method is visual field examination, which reveals the location of defects in this field (i.e. areas that lead to retinal ischemia).
Central retinal artery closure – treatment
It is very important to initiate treatment as soon as possible, patients who do not completely occlude the vessel have a chance of recovery. Then the treatment consists in displacing the blockage towards the fundus so that the central part is damaged as little as possible. Patients are given vasodilating preparations and preparations lowering the pressure inside the eyeball. An intense, circular massage of the eyeball is also recommended. There are also situations when the contraction goes away on its own.
Can I prevent occlusion of the middle retinal artery?
Due to the unknown prognosis in this disease, preventive measures should be taken into account. The basic principles of prevention are presented below.
1. Remember to control your blood sugar and blood pressure.
2. Women using hormone contraception should quit smoking immediately!
3. It is important to control blood lipid levels.
4. A daily diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
5. It is worth eliminating fried meats, white sugar and white bread from your diet.
6. Movement is health – this is why it is worth engaging in physical activity.
The above-mentioned recommendations not only have a positive effect on the blood supply to our eyes, but also on every other area of our body.
Also read: Central retinal vein thrombus (obstruction)
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