Clinical Features of Ophthalmic Artery Hypoperfusion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical features and relation of systemic disease of ophthalmic artery hypoperfusion (OAH). METHODS: We reviewed the records of 20 eyes of 19 ophthalmic artery hypoperfusionpatients who were followed up for 1month or more. The clinical outcome were reviewed, retrospectively. RESULTS: The patients' chief complain was sudden visual loss (14 eyes, 70.0%) and at initial visit, eyes with OAH had mean visual acuity more than or equal 0.5 in 55.0%. The most common ocular sign is the retinal hemorrhage and choroidal infarction and the most associated systemic disease in these patients is the hypertension in 63.2%. Normal patency or mild changes of the internal carotid artery was seen in 75.0% on the side of OAH. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic artery hypoperfusion has a comparatively good visual prognosis. However, the ophthalmologist's diagnosis may be crucial to the health of these patients, because OAH includes ocular ischemic syndrome that may be the presenting sign of serious cerebrovascular and ischemic heart disease.