Nonaretritic central retinal artery occlusion as marker for the generalized vascular risk

Background Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) represents a limiting visual perception for affected patients. In all efforts to improve function it must not be forgotten that in the vast majority of cases the cause is one or more severe vascular or cardiac diseases, which can cause RAO just as ischemic stroke and can also be life-threatening. Objective The aim of this article is to present the available literature and to explain the importance of an intensive neurological internal medical clarification in RAO patients. Conclusion Although cardiovascular diseases are already known in most patients at the onset of an RAO, further risk factors are detected in almost 80% of cases. Therefore, and because of the high risk for recurrent thromboembolism, immediate and standardized neurological internal medical clarification of the cause is urgently recommended after an acute RAO in the context of an inpatient stay.