Conditions Treated at Empire Eye Physicians

Most people know high blood pressure and other vascular diseases pose risks to overall health, but many may not know that high blood pressure can affect vision by damaging arteries in the eye.

Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), is a blockage of a small artery in the retina, the light-sensing nerve layer lining the back of the eye. The most common cause of BRAO is when fibrin, cholesterol, or other plaque breaks off from another area of the body and is carried to the retina by the bloodstream. Visual loss from retinal artery occlusion is equivalent to the loss of function in other parts of the body from a stroke. Unfortunately, visual loss is not usually reversible, even with rehabilitation therapy. BRAO poses significant risks to vision. If you have had a branch retinal artery occlusion or have high blood pressure, regular visits to your eye doctor are essential.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) blocks the central retinal artery in your eye, which supplies blood to the retina. The first sign of CRAO is a sudden and painless loss of vision that leaves you barely able to determine light from dark. CRAO usually occurs in people between the ages of 50 and 70. The most common medical problem associated with CRAO is arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries.

Loss of vision can be permanent without immediate treatment. Retinal damage occurs after 90 minutes, but some vision may still be saved even 24 hours after symptoms begin. The goal of emergency treatment is to restore retinal blood flow, although this may not be successful.

After emergency treatment, you should have a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your arterial occlusion.