The systemic evaluation of acute retinal artery occlusion.

Acute retinal arterial occlusion is an ophthalmic condition that is associated with a high prevalence of systemic disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that significant numbers of patients with acute retinal arterial occlusion have both hemodynamically significant carotid artery stenosis and cardiac pathology that necessitates systemic therapy. Furthermore, emerging evidence show that coagulopathies and hyperhomo-cysteinemia may be responsible for acute retinal arterial occlusion. In this paper, we review recent scientific evidence that supports that adoption of specific guidelines for the systemic evaluation of acute retinal arterial occlusion.