Retinal Artery Occlusion: Emergency Eye Care
Know the symptoms, causes, and risks of eye stroke.
20
Years
180+
Hospitals
700+
Eye Specialists
3
Crore+ Eyes
20
Years
180+
Hospitals
700+
Eye Specialists
3
Crore+ Eyes
What is Retinal Artery Occlusion?
Retinal artery occlusion occurs when one of the arteries supplying blood to the retina becomes blocked, usually due to a blood clot or cholesterol plaque.
Blocks oxygen supply to the retina
Causes sudden vision loss
Typically affects one eye
Can be partial or complete
Without blood flow, retinal cells can start dying within minutes to hours
Retinal Artery Occlusion – Symptoms, Causes & Emergency Treatment
Why is Retinal Artery Occlusion Dangerous?
Sudden and severe vision loss
Often permanent damage
Indicates high risk of brain stroke
Requires immediate medical evaluation
RAO is both an eye emergency and a systemic health warning
Types of Retinal Artery Occlusion
1. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
Blockage in the main retinal artery
Severe and sudden vision loss
Most serious form
2. Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO)
Blockage in smaller branches
Partial vision loss
May affect only a section of vision
Symptoms of Retinal Artery Occlusion
Key Symptoms:
Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye
Blurred or dim vision
Loss of peripheral vision
Blind spots
Symptoms usually occur without warning and progress rapidly.
Even temporary vision loss should be treated as an emergency
Causes of Retinal Artery Occlusion
RAO is mainly caused by a blockage in the retinal artery.
Common Causes:
Blood clot (most common)
Cholesterol or fatty deposits
Plaque from carotid artery
Heart-related embolism
The blockage often originates from the heart or neck arteries and travels to the eye.
Risk Factors
You are at higher risk if you:
Have high blood pressure
Have diabetes
Have high cholesterol
Smoke
Have heart disease
Are above 50 years
These conditions increase the risk of blood vessel blockage.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek immediate emergency care if you experience:
Sudden vision loss
Blurred or distorted vision
Vision blackout in one eye
Immediate treatment may help preserve vision and prevent stroke
Diagnosis of Retinal Artery Occlusion
Doctors perform urgent eye and systemic evaluation:
Fundus examination (retina check)
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
Fluorescein angiography
Blood tests & imaging (to assess stroke risk)
Treatment Options
There is no guaranteed cure, but emergency treatment aims to restore blood flow quickly.
Immediate Treatments
Eye massage
Medications to reduce eye pressure
Clot-dissolving drugs (early cases)
Advanced Treatments
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Managing underlying cardiovascular conditions
Treatment is most effective if started within hours of symptom onset
Retinal Artery Occlusion Treatment Cost in India
Estimated Cost Range:
Emergency evaluation: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000
Advanced treatment: ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000+
Long-term management: varies
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Recovery & Long-Term Management
Vision recovery is often limited
Early treatment improves chances
Requires systemic evaluation (heart & brain)
Long-term risk of stroke must be managed
Why Choose ASG Eye Hospital?
Advanced retina diagnostics & emergency care
Experienced retina specialists
Integrated care for stroke risk management
180+ hospitals across India
Comprehensive vascular eye treatment
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Clear Answers for Better Vision
What is retinal artery occlusion?
It is a blockage in the artery supplying blood to the retina, causing sudden vision loss.
Is retinal artery occlusion an emergency?
Yes, it requires immediate medical attention.
Can RAO cause blindness?
Yes, it can cause permanent vision loss if untreated.
What causes an eye stroke?
Blood clots or cholesterol plaques blocking retinal arteries.
Can it be prevented?
Managing BP, diabetes, cholesterol, and heart health reduces risk.
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