Retinal Artery Occlusion Treatment in Phoenix

Retinal artery occlusion is a serious blockage in one of the arteries that carries blood to the retina, and it can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one eye. Because the retina needs steady blood flow to function, any sudden change in vision should be treated as urgent. At Retinal Consultants of Arizona, our retina specialists evaluate retinal artery occlusions, monitor for complications, and help patients understand the next steps for protecting their remaining vision.

If you suddenly lose vision, notice a curtain or shadow, or experience a major change in one eye, do not wait for symptoms to improve. Call 911 or seek emergency care right away. If symptoms happen during business hours, call Retinal Consultants of Arizona at (602) 222-2221 for guidance.

Retinal vein occlusion youtube title screen image.

What Is A Retinal Artery Occlusion?

A retinal artery occlusion happens when blood flow through an artery in the retina becomes blocked. The blockage may be caused by a clot, plaque, or another vascular issue that prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching retinal tissue.

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It sends visual information to the brain through the optic nerve. When blood flow stops, retinal cells can become damaged quickly, which is why retinal artery occlusion is often described as an “eye stroke.”

There are two main types:

Central retinal artery occlusion, which affects the main artery that supplies the retina.
Branch retinal artery occlusion, which affects a smaller branch artery and may cause vision loss in only part of the visual field.

Both types need prompt evaluation. Central retinal artery occlusion can be especially serious and may signal a higher risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease.

Image of an older man realizing he has vision changes.

Retinal Artery Occlusion Symptoms

Retinal artery occlusion symptoms often happen suddenly. Many patients do not feel pain, which can make the vision change even more alarming.

Symptoms may include:

Sudden vision loss in one eye
A dark shadow or curtain over part of your vision
Loss of side vision
Blurry or distorted vision
A sudden blind spot
Vision that seems dimmer in one eye

Some people experience temporary vision loss before a more serious blockage occurs. Even if vision returns, that episode still needs immediate medical attention.

When To Seek Emergency Care

Sudden vision loss is always urgent. A retinal artery occlusion can overlap with broader vascular health concerns, including stroke risk. The American Heart Association describes central retinal artery occlusion as a form of acute ischemic stroke and says rapid triage and medical management are important.

Go to the emergency room or call 911 right away if you have:

Sudden loss of vision in one eye
New vision loss with weakness, facial drooping, confusion, or trouble speaking
Sudden vision loss with severe headache
A new curtain, shadow, or dark area in your vision

Image of someone needing to call for an eye emergancy.

What Causes A Retinal Artery Occlusion?

A retinal artery occlusion usually happens when something blocks blood flow to the retina. In many cases, the blockage may relate to vascular health.

Possible risk factors include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Carotid artery disease
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Smoking history
Blood clotting conditions
Older age
A history of stroke or transient ischemic attack

Retinal Artery Occlusion Is Not Only an Eye Concern.

It can be a warning sign that the body’s blood vessels need medical evaluation. Your retina specialist may recommend urgent coordination with emergency care, primary care, neurology, or cardiology, depending on your symptoms and exam findings.

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How RCA Diagnoses Retinal Artery Occlusion

Your retina specialist can often identify a retinal artery occlusion during a dilated retinal exam. Dilation allows your doctor to examine the retina, retinal blood vessels, optic nerve, and macula in detail.

Testing may include:

1

Comprehensive Eye Exam

Dilated retinal exam to look for blocked blood flow or retinal whitening.

2

Optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography, often called OCT, is a retinal imaging technique used to document changes and monitor the eye over time.

3

Fluorescein angiography

Fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood flow through retinal vessels.

4

Intraocular Pressure

Eye pressure testing (IOP)

These tests help your doctor understand which part of the retina is affected, whether the blockage involves a central or branch artery, and whether complications need treatment.

Retinal Artery Occlusion Treatment

Retinal artery occlusion treatment depends on timing, severity, the type of blockage, and whether complications develop. Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed cure that restores vision after a retinal artery occlusion. Current treatment focuses on urgent evaluation, identifying the cause, monitoring the retina, and treating complications that can threaten comfort or remaining vision.

In some cases, a retina specialist may try to lower eye pressure to help improve blood flow. This may include a procedure called anterior chamber paracentesis, although improvement in blood flow is rare. Abnormal blood vessel growth can sometimes lead to painful glaucoma, which may require laser treatment, injections such as Avastin or Lucentis, or surgery to control eye pressure.

Your care plan may include:

Retinal evaluation and imaging.

Monitoring for abnormal blood vessel growth.

Treatment for complications such as neovascular glaucoma.

Coordination with other medical providers to evaluate stroke and vascular risk.

Follow-up visits to track retinal changes.

Close up image of what a retinal specialist may see when conducting a comprehensive eye exam for a vein occlusion.

Why Follow-Up Care Matter

After a retinal artery occlusion, follow-up care helps your retina specialist watch for changes that may not be obvious right away. Some patients develop abnormal blood vessels after the initial event. These vessels can increase eye pressure, cause pain, or create additional vision concerns.

Regular follow-up visits allow your doctor to:

Monitor retinal healing and damage.
Check for abnormal blood vessel growth.
Track eye pressure.
Review imaging changes.
Treat complications early when possible.
Coordinate ongoing care with the patient’s broader medical team.

Even when vision recovery is limited, follow-up care still matters because it can help protect eye comfort and reduce the risk of additional complications.

Image of a fully dilated eye during a comprehensive eye exam.

Retinal Artery Occlusion Care Across Arizona

Retinal Consultants of Arizona provides retina care across the Phoenix Metro area and Northern Arizona. RCA’s Phoenix Metro locations include Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix-Biltmore, North Phoenix, and North Scottsdale. Satellite locations include Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Kingman, Payson, and Prescott.

Local access is important after a retinal artery occlusion because patients may need specialized retinal imaging, follow-up exams, and long-term monitoring. Retinal Consultants of Arizona helps patients across Arizona get expert retina care closer to home.

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FAQ: Retinal Artery Occlusion

Risk factors for retinal artery occlusions include: carotid artery disease, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

There is unfortunately no cure for a retinal artery occlusion and treatments are limited in being able to improve blood flow and lower eye pressure.

No, vision loss related to a retinal artery occlusion is usually painless and blockages in smaller arteries effect less of the retina and can require little to no treatment.

A retinal artery occlusion is a blockage in an artery that carries blood to the retina. The blockage can reduce oxygen to the retinal tissue and may cause sudden vision loss in one eye.

Yes. Sudden vision loss can be a medical emergency. Central retinal artery occlusion may also signal stroke risk, so patients should call 911 or seek emergency care right away.

Symptoms may include sudden, painless vision loss, a dark curtain or shadow, blurred or distorted vision, side vision loss, or a blind spot in one eye.

Sometimes vision may improve, but many patients have lasting vision loss. Recovery depends on the type of blockage, the extent of retinal damage, and how quickly the condition is evaluated.

A retina specialist may diagnose retinal artery occlusion with a dilated retinal exam, OCT imaging, fluorescein angiography, retinal photography, and other tests that evaluate blood flow and retinal damage.

Retinal Consultants of Arizona provides evaluation and follow-up care for retinal artery occlusion across Arizona, including Phoenix Metro and satellite locations in Northern Arizona communities.

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Conditions We Treat

Our ophthalmologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating many retinal conditions.

All Conditions

Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic Retinopathy

Flashes

Floaters

Low Vision (Referral Only)

Macular Degeneration

Macular Hole

Macular Pucker

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Retinal Artery Occlusion

Retinal Detachment

Retinal Tears

Retinal Vein Occlusions

Uveitis

What To Expect At Your Retina Visit

During your visit, your care team will review your symptoms, medical history, and timing of vision changes. Your retina specialist will examine the back of the eye and may order imaging tests to better understand blood flow and retinal damage.

Your doctor may ask:

When did the vision change begin?
Did the vision loss happen suddenly or gradually?
Is the vision loss partial or complete?
Did symptoms happen in one eye or both eyes?
Do you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease?
Have you had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack before?

These details help your retina specialist determine what may have happened and whether you need additional medical evaluation beyond the eye exam.

Protect Your Vision With Expert Retinal Care

Retinal artery occlusion can be frightening because vision changes often happen without warning. If you experience sudden vision loss, call 911 or seek emergency care right away. If you have already been diagnosed with retinal artery occlusion or need retina follow-up care, request an appointment with Retinal Consultants of Arizona so our retina specialists can evaluate your eye, monitor for complications, and guide your next steps.

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