Sudden Painless Vision Loss in One Eye May Signal Retinal Artery Occlusion
A sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye has been reported, potentially indicating a retinal artery occlusion. This serious eye condition occurs when blood vessels supplying the retina become blocked, often by blood clots or substances like cholesterol. Prompt medical attention is crucial as it's a high-risk factor for stroke.
Retinal artery occlusion can be caused by various risk factors, including high blood pressure, increasing age, and being male, typically in the 60s. Other contributing factors are smoking, obesity, heart or lung disease, blood clotting problems, high cholesterol, diabetes, and narrowing of the carotid artery. Arterial hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and cardiac diseases with high embolic risk like atrial fibrillation are also significant contributors.
Symptoms can include sudden, painless vision loss, loss of peripheral vision, distorted vision, and blind spots. Diagnosis involves a fundoscopic exam, blood tests, and sometimes additional imaging like CT scans, fluorescein angiography, or electroretinography. Complications may arise, such as the development of new blood vessels in the iris or retina, leading to further vision loss through vitreous hemorrhage or glaucoma.
Retinal artery occlusion is a medical emergency that demands immediate evaluation due to the high stroke risk. If you or someone else experiences sudden, painless vision loss, seek immediate medical attention. Early intervention can prevent severe vision loss and reduce the risk of stroke.
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