Retinal artery branch occlusion, left eye Save

Retinal Artery Branch Occlusion, Left Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Retinal artery branch occlusion is a condition that occurs when a small branch of the retinal artery, which supplies blood to the retina, becomes blocked. In this article, we will focus specifically on retinal artery branch occlusion in the left eye.

Causes:

1. Atherosclerosis: The most common cause of retinal artery branch occlusion is atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
2. Embolus: Sometimes, a blood clot or debris from another part of the body can travel through the bloodstream and block a retinal artery branch, leading to occlusion.
3. Thrombosis: Formation of a blood clot within the retinal artery branches can also cause occlusion.

Symptoms:

• Vision loss: The primary symptom of retinal artery branch occlusion is sudden, painless vision loss in the affected eye.
• Blurred vision: Some individuals may experience blurred or distorted vision.
• Partial field loss: In certain cases, a portion of the visual field may be affected, resulting in a blind spot.

Risk Factors:

• Hypertension: High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of retinal artery branch occlusion.
• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are more prone to developing this condition.
• Smoking: Tobacco use can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of occlusion.
• Hyperlipidemia: Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can contribute to atherosclerosis formation.
• Cardiovascular disease: Having a history of heart disease or stroke can increase the likelihood of retinal artery branch occlusion.

Retinal artery branch occlusion, left eye, requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. If you experience sudden vision loss or any other concerning symptoms, consult an ophthalmologist promptly.

Please note that this article does not provide information about the treatment of retinal artery branch occlusion in the left eye. It aims to inform readers about the causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with this condition.