Carotid disease and the eye.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Carotid artery disease (CAD) presents with ocular symptoms that can indicate impending stroke.
• Common signs include asymptomatic retinal emboli, transient monocular visual loss, and central retinal artery occlusion.
• Severe cases manifest as venous stasis retinopathy and ocular ischemic syndrome due to hypoperfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the ocular manifestations of carotid artery disease.
• To highlight the ophthalmologist's role in early diagnosis and stroke prevention.
• To discuss the prognosis and management of patients with carotid occlusive disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent publications on carotid artery disease and ocular findings.
• Analysis of common and debated ocular symptoms associated with carotid disease.
• Emphasis on diagnostic and preventative roles for ophthalmologists.

Main Results:

• Ocular symptoms like transient monocular visual loss and retinal artery occlusion are common indicators of CAD.
• Ocular ischemic syndrome and venous stasis retinopathy suggest severe carotid occlusive disease.
• Horner's syndrome and eye pain are frequent, while ocular motor nerve palsy is rare.

Conclusions:

• Ophthalmologists are crucial for identifying early signs of carotid artery disease.
• Prompt diagnosis aids in preventing stroke and other systemic complications.
• Management strategies for carotid occlusive disease benefit from ophthalmologic input.