Implications of central retinal artery occlusion

The purpose of this paper, was to discuss central retinal artery occlusion and its role in the patient's overall health. Several different causes of occlusion such as cardiovascular diseases, carotid artery disease, aortic arch disease and giant cell arteritis are discussed along with their symptomatology and clinical manifestations. Because of the importance of a proper diagnosis, the more common ophthalmoscopic pictures that are confused with the central retinal artery occlusions are also included. A case report of a central retinal artery occlusion secondary to a carotid artery stenosis is presented to acquaint the optometrist to the need of further testing after a vascular accident to the eye.