The ocular ischemic syndrome. II. Mortality and systemic morbidity.

The cases of 52 consecutive persons with ocular ischemic syndrome (ocular symptoms and signs attributable to severe carotid artery obstruction) were studied. Followup disclosed a five year mortality of 40%. In comparison, an age and sex matched control group from the Framingham study had a five year mortality of 11%. The leading cause of death was cardiac disease (63%), while stroke was second (19%). Other associated diseases included systemic arterial hypertension (73%), diabetes mellitus (56%) and peripheral vascular disease (19%).