Vascular Supply of the Eye


Fig.4 Vascular Supply of the Eye

The majority of the inner retina is supplied by the central retinal artery (CRA) which enters the eye at the optic disc and bifurcates into a superior and inferior branch (Fig 4).

Occlusion of the CRA causes complete ischaemia to the entire inner retina, except in 15-30% of patients with an anatomical variant, the cilioretinal artery, who will retain some central vision. [5]

The outer retina, including the macula, is supplied by the choriocapillaris, a separate capillary network originating from the ciliary arteries.

Retinal veins run posteriorly to form superior and inferior branches that converge at the optic disc.

The central retinal vein then leaves the substance of the optic nerve to drain into the cavernous sinus or the superior ophthalmic vein.

Learning bite

15-30% patients have a patent cilioretinal artery, so may retain some visual acuity even in the context of complete occlusion of the central retinal artery.

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