انسداد شريان الشبكية: فقدان النظر المفاجئ حالة طارئة

English version

Retinal Artery Occlusion: Sudden Vision Loss Is an Emergency

What happens in the retina?

An artery carries blood to retinal cells. If blood flow is blocked, vision can change suddenly; the blockage may involve the main artery or a branch. Symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause or rule out other emergencies.

What to do now

If vision is suddenly lost, call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately, even if it begins to improve. Tell the team when symptoms started and what medicines you take. Do not press on the eye or try drops to reopen the artery.

Why assessment goes beyond the eye

Once suspected or confirmed, the patient may need urgent input from eye and stroke teams and assessment of blood pressure, diabetes, heart and blood vessels. In some older adults, a new headache, jaw pain or scalp tenderness also prompts evaluation for blood-vessel inflammation.

Can treatment restore vision?

Emergency treatment depends on the type of blockage, time of onset and the person's health, and evidence for restoring sight remains limited. Do not delay care while seeking a specific treatment; the team weighs potential benefits and risks and addresses future vascular risk.

After emergency care

Vision may remain reduced even after the cause is addressed, and outcomes vary. Keep follow-up with the eye specialist and medical or stroke team and follow the plan for vascular risk. Any new loss of vision in either eye is an emergency again.

Frequently asked questions

Is retinal artery occlusion painful?

It often causes sudden, painless vision loss, but lack of pain does not make it less serious.

Should I wait to see if vision returns?

No. Go to emergency care immediately; waiting can delay evaluation of both the eye and stroke risk.

Can massage or drops reopen the artery?

Do not try home treatment. Emergency clinicians need to assess the condition and potential treatments and risks.

Is this related to stroke?

Central retinal artery occlusion is treated as a type of stroke affecting the retina and needs urgent vascular assessment.

Medical note: This guide is for education and does not replace an eye examination. Sudden vision loss, severe pain or an eye injury needs urgent assessment.