retina

Last reviewed 07/2021

Retinal causes of sudden visual loss include:

  • retinal arterial occlusion:
    • branch occlusion results in partial loss of vision
    • central occlusion results in complete loss of vision
  • central retinal vein occlusion - extensive fundal haemorrhage
  • amaurosis fugax - where a curtain descends over the vision for minutes. An embolus may be visible on the retina and a carotid bruit may be present.
  • retinal detachment involving macula; symptoms and signs include:
    • flashing lights
    • floaters
    • visual field loss spreading centrally