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Retinal artery occlusion - Symptom

Alternative Names

Central retinal artery occlusion; Branch retinal artery occlusion; CRAO; BRAO

Symptoms:

Sudden blurring or loss of vision in all or part of one eye

Signs and tests:

Tests to evaluate the retina may include:

Color vision
Examination of the retina after the pupil is dilated
Fluorescein angiography
Intraocular pressure
Pupil reflex response
Refraction test
Retinal photography
Slit lamp examination
Testing of side vision (visual field examination)
Test that measures the electrical activity of the retina (electroretinogram)
Visual acuity

Tests to identify the source of a clot from another part of the body:

Echocardiogram
Heart monitor for abnormal heart rhythm
Ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries

Other tests may include:

Blood pressure
Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Complete physical exam

Retina

Reviewed last on: 4/22/2008
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, F.A.C.S., Director of Ophthalmology Training, Institute for Family Health, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, New York College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Vortmann M, Schneider JI. Acute monocular visual loss. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2008;26:73-96.

Pokhrel PK, Loftus SA. Ocular emergencies. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:829-836.

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