Bilateral retinal artery occlusion; A retrospective analysis of clinical presentation and management

Abstract

Purpose: Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is an ophthalmologic emergency and involvement of both eyes is rare. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of presentation of bilateral RAO in south India and the associated systemic disorders. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients with bilateral RAO seen at a tertiary eye hospital in south India over a period of eight years was carried out. The patient's demographic and clinical data were extracted from the case files and analyzed using Epi Info statistical software. Results: Six hundred and seventy-four eyes of 662 patients were seen with RAO during the period of the study with 12 (1.8%) patients having bilateral involvement. The mean age of the patients was 58.3 years and males comprised 66.7%. There were 22 (91.7%) eyes with CRAO, and two (8.4%) with branch RAO. Three (25%) patients had simultaneous RAO. The median interval for the involvement of the fellow eye was 90 days. Hypertension and diabetes were the most commonly associated systemic disorders. Conclusion: Bilateral RAO is very rare and usually nonsimultaneous. Patients need to be aware of the possibility of involvement of the fellow eye after a unilateral RAO, and the importance of seeking medical care promptly if this occurs.