Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion
- Ischemic swelling of portion of retina served by occluded branch of retinal artery
- In this case, occlusion occurred because of embolus, visible as yellow-white particle at vessel bifurcation
- Patient reported sudden painless cloudy vision in upper field of vision of left eye
- History of sudden painless loss of upper field leads you there
- Ischemic retina has lost its transparency, now appearing gray instead of transmitting orange color of underlying choroid
- Interpret this finding as indication of embolism from cervical carotid artery or heart
- Refer to ophthalmologist urgently if vision loss came on recently
- Further embolization causing stroke could be imminent and potentially prevented with urgent medical attention
