What is the central retinal artery?

Central retinal artery is one of the two main blood sources for the retina, a membrane sensitive to light, which is a stubborn rear of the eye. It is the first branch of out of eye artery, which in turn is the first branch outside the inner carotid artery after entering the base of the brain. After leaving the ophthalmic artery, the central retinal artery connects to an optical nerve of approximately 1 centimeter (0.45 inches) behind the eye, the vaginal of the optical nerve into the eye and divided into four main arched branches on the optical disk. These branches of central retinal arteries supply blood to the inner two -thirds of the retina. Central retinal artery occlusion results in a sudden deep loss of vision.

In addition to the central retinal artery, the eye receives blood from short rear ciliary arteries, as well as branches of Ophthalmic artery. Short rear ciliary arteries supply the outer third of the retina and peripheral vascular layer of the eye called the choroid. In about 14 percent of the population, cilioletinal artery develops from one of the short rear ciliary arteries. The cilioral artery, if present, provides additional blood supply to the central inner retina, called a macula. In the central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with the present cilioral artery, the alternative blood supply to the central retina enables a 20/50 visual acuity or better in nearly 80 percent of cases in a few weeks.

Central retinal occlusion is usually the result of blocking blood vessels due to a blood clot or cholesterol plaque. The most common symptom of Crao is the sudden and permanent loss of vision in the affected eye, and the patient is only able to see the raised fingers on the hands or in some cases, light exclusively. Some patients report the previous episodes of temporary vision loss that has been solved in minutes. Within 15 minutes of Crao, the retina becomes a swollen, pale and yellowish white color. The center of the retina itself, called foveolAnd, unlike the surrounding opaque retina, it will have a significant cherry color.

Studies

show that irreversible, catastrophic damage occurs in the inner layers of the retina within 90 to 100 minutes after completely blocking the central retinal artery. Most ophthalmolologists agree that patients must be subjected to any Crao treatment within the first 24 hours from the beginning to gain any benefit. Treatments for restoring blood flow include the use of blood thinners, inhalation CO2, drugs to expand the blood vessels and eye massage. Doctors must also deal with associated, predisposition diseases and conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, intravenous drug use and oral contraceptive use. In the case of CRAO, the life length of patients decreases only to 5.5 years.