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Central Retinal Artery and Vein Occlusions
The retina, the thin structure which lines the back of the eye, contains the rods and cone cells. These specialized cells send messages to the brain, allowing us to distinguish light from dark (rods) and to see color (cones). Oxygen-rich blood is supplied to the cells in the retina via the central retinal artery. The central retinal vein allows the blood to return to the heart. Blockage of either the central retinal artery or the central retinal vein, can result in a sudden catastrophic loss of vision. Central retinal artery occlusion most often results from a blood clot. A clot may travel through the blood stream and become lodged in the central retinal artery. This process is known as embolization. Symptoms, in this case, involve a rapid but painless loss of vision.
THIS IS AN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL EMERGENCY.
In most cases, very little can be done to reverse the situation. Massage of the eyeball and medications have been used to salvage at least part of the vision. A procedure (anterior chamber paracentesis), which involves the insertion of a fine needle into a portion (anterior chamber) of the eye, can also be therapeutic. Central retinal artery occlusion occurs most often in patients over the age of 50, with a history for stroke, high blood pressure, or atherosclerotic vascular disease. Central retinal vein occlusion results from a blood clot in the vein which drains blood from the eye. In this situation, back pressure on the eye leads to the abnormal leakage of blood into the retina, resulting in a painless loss of vision. The chance for recovery from retinal vein occlusion is considered better than that of retinal artery occlusion. Central retinal vein occlusion occurs most often in patients over the age of 50. An ophthalmologist will handle both of these potentially SERIOUS problems.
Hope this article will provide you information about central retinal artery and vein occlusions.
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