Ophthalmologic manifestations of carotid occlusive disease

Amaurosis fugax is perhaps the best known ocular symptom of carotid vascular disease. An understanding of the symptoms and an ability to recognise the characteristic changes of hypotensive retinopathy and the ocular ischaemic syndrome should be familiar to ophthalmologists. In patients with known cerebrovascular disease a careful ophthalmologic examination should be performed to evaluate for the presence of ocular involvement related to emboli and hypoperfusion. Once identified a variety of non-invasive and invasive techniques may be employed to determine the degree of stenosis and an individual treatment plan initiated. Early recognition and treatment of patients with carotid occlusive disease may prevent more serious complications.