A man loses vision in one eye suddenly and painlessly. The retina is pale with a cherry-red spot at the macula. What is the diagnosis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Central retinal artery occlusion
- Step 1: The pallor is due to ischaemic oedema of the retina, with the fovea preserving the red choroidal colour. Step 2. It is an ophthalmic emergency akin to stroke, needing urgent assessment for embolic sources such as carotid disease. Answer: Central retinal artery occlusion. Why not the others: Vein occlusion gives a stormy sunset fundus with haemorrhages. Detachment gives curtain-like loss with flashes. Vitreous haemorrhage obscures the fundus.
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