[Diagnosis of vascular occlusion of the posterior eye segment]

Retinal arterial occlusion, retinal vein occlusion and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy are commonly found diseases of the eye. In general the diagnosis is verified by ophthalmoscopic examination. Further diagnosis is necessary for evaluation of possible treatment and prophylaxis of following cerebral or ocular occlusive events. In occlusive diseases vascular dilatation, improvement of rheologic parameters and in some cases treatment of inflammation are the first therapeutic aim. Furthermore, the pathophysiologic origin of the vascular occlusion should be clarified for more specific prophylactic treatment. Diagnostic tools and possible therapeutic consequences are discussed.