Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO) Questions & Answers

Updated: Feb 16, 2023
  • Author: Benjamin Feldman, MD; Chief Editor: Bruce M Lo, MD, MBA, RDMS, FACEP, FAAEM, FACHE, FAAPL, CPE  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the pathophysiology of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the prevalence of retinal artery occlusion (RAO) in the US?

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the sexual predilection of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

Which age group has the highest prevalence of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the prognosis of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is included in patient education about retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is included in the physical exam for retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

Which findings on funduscopic exam are characteristic of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What causes retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of migraines in the etiology of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of embolism in retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of atherosclerotic disease in the etiology of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of inflammatory endarteritis in the etiology of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of increased intraocular pressure in the etiology of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

Which conditions are associated with retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What are the possible complications of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO)?

Workup

Which lab tests are performed in the workup of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of ECG in the workup of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

Treatment

What is the prehospital care for retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What are the phases of care for retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of ocular massage in the treatment of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of anterior chamber paracentesis in the treatment of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

Which medications are used in the emergency department (ED) treatment of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

What is the role of an ophthalmologist in the treatment of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

How is retinal artery occlusion (RAO) prevented?

What is included in the long-term monitoring of patients with retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

When is inpatient care indicated for the treatment of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

When is patient transfer indicated for the treatment of retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

Medications

What are the goals of medical therapy for retinal artery occlusion (RAO)?

Which medications in the drug class Beta-adrenergic blocking agents are used in the treatment of Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO)?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO)?

Which medications in the drug class Cholinergic/miotic agents are used in the treatment of Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO)?

Which medications in the drug class Sympathomimetics are used in the treatment of Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO)?

Which medications in the drug class Hyperosmotic diuretics are used in the treatment of Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO)?

Which medications in the drug class Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used in the treatment of Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO)?