Which vascular event commonly causes sudden painless vision loss?

Which vascular event commonly causes sudden painless vision loss?

• A. Retinal vein occlusion
• B. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
• C. Retinal artery occlusion
• D. Glaucoma

Answer: (C)

A sudden, painless loss of vision most often comes from an abrupt interruption of blood flow to the retina. When the central retinal artery is occluded, the retina is deprived of its main arterial supply in an instant, causing immediate monocular vision loss without pain. Clinically, this is accompanied by a pale retina with a cherry-red fovea, a hallmark sign of central retinal artery occlusion. This vascular event directly blocks the retinal circulation, producing the rapid, painless presentation described in the question. Other vascular problems can also cause vision loss, but the combination of abrupt onset, one-eye involvement, and the characteristic fundoscopic finding most specifically points to retinal artery occlusion.

A sudden, painless loss of vision most often comes from an abrupt interruption of blood flow to the retina. When the central retinal artery is occluded, the retina is deprived of its main arterial supply in an instant, causing immediate monocular vision loss without pain. Clinically, this is accompanied by a pale retina with a cherry-red fovea, a hallmark sign of central retinal artery occlusion. This vascular event directly blocks the retinal circulation, producing the rapid, painless presentation described in the question. Other vascular problems can also cause vision loss, but the combination of abrupt onset, one-eye involvement, and the characteristic fundoscopic finding most specifically points to retinal artery occlusion.