Ocular Ischemic Syndrome

Abstract

<jats:p>The ocular ischemic syndrome is a clinical entity that occurs secondary to chronic retinal and choroidal hypoxia due to chronic ocular hypoperfusion. Carotid atherosclerotic vascular disease is the most frequent etiology. Dissecting carotid artery aneurysm, giant cell arteritis, moyamoya disease, Takayasu arteritis, Behçet’s disease, and other inflammatory diseases leading to carotid artery obstruction may also play a role in the etiology. The visual loss which is not acute and ocular angina is the main symptom. Retinal venous dilatation, deep retinal hemorrhages, microaneurysms are the major findings seen in the posterior segment. Anterior and posterior segment neovascularization occurs as the disease progresses. Retinal photocoagulation and intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) are the main treatment modalities for ocular neovascularization. Systemic morbidity and mortality are high. Carotid endarterectomy is the principal treatment of the systemic disorder</jats:p>