Recurrent RAO: Timing, Impact Vary by Eye
Conexiant
June 6, 2024
Among 850 patients with non-arteritic retinal artery occlusion, only 11 (1.3%) experienced a recurrence between January 2007 and December 2021. A recent study found significant differences in the timing of recurrences and the impact on visual acuity between patients who had recurrences in the same eye and those who had recurrences in the opposite eye.
Methods
The study, published in BMJ Open Ophthalmology, utilized the retinal artery occlusion (RAO) registry at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Researchers identified the cohort of patients with non-arteritic RAO, performing detailed ophthalmic and systemic evaluations to identify risk factors and assess visual outcomes.
Results
The median time to recurrence differed between groups: 1 month for patients who had recurrences in the same eye and 22 months for patients who had recurrences in the opposite eye. In patients with same eye recurrence, best corrected visual acuity decreased significantly, ranging from counting fingers to hand motion. In patients with opposite eye recurrence, visual acuity reduction was less severe, with initial episodes ranging from 20/400 to light perception and recurrent episodes from 20/25 to 20/400.
Systemic vascular conditions were prevalent among the study population, potentially contributing to the recurrence of RAO. Carotid artery occlusions were present in 81.8% of patients, and cerebral artery occlusions were noted in 9.1%. Additionally, 18.2% of patients experienced a stroke within six months following RAO recurrence.
Conclusion
Screening for risk factors is important, as severe vision loss can result from recurrent RAO, study authors noted. Clinicians should collaborate with neurologists and cardiologists to provide comprehensive care for patients at risk of RAO recurrence.
Full disclosures can be found in the study.
Stay up to date with the latest clinical headlines.