CASE REPORT: CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION IN A 63-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO IS A CHRONIC SMOKER

It is an obstruction of retinal blood flow that may be due to an embolus causing occlusion or thrombus formation, vasculitis causing retinal vasculature inflammation, traumatic vessel wall damage, or spasm. The lack of oxygen delivery to the retina during the blockage often results in severe vision loss in the area of ischemic retina. [1] A 63-year-old man presented at our hospital with a 2day history of sudden onset diminution of vision in his right eye. A clinical diagnosis of Central retina artery occlusion was made. His fundus examination showed retinal paleness and macular edema with cherry red spot. OCT macula showed thickening of the inner retinal layers. He was treated with Oral acetazolamide and Timolol eye drops. He was urgently referred to a cardiologist for systemic examination and workup. His Blood pressure was found to be high for which medications were started. Carotid artery doppler showed atheromatous hard plague in his right proximal carotid artery causing mild stenosis. Echocardiography showed mild Mitral regurgitation. His lipid profile also was deranged. He was managed with systemic medications by the cardiologist. Review check-up at 1week showed no improvement in his vision and nil visual prognosis was explained to the patient.