Acute central retinal artery occlusion Proposed therapeutic approach for ocular stroke

Vascular events of the brain and the eye may occur concomitantly or sequentially. In the absence of recanalization, central retinal artery occlusion causes irreversible damage to the retinal tissues. Even though retinal ischemia second-ary to central retinal artery occlusion meets the definition of acute ischemic stroke, neither the international nor the Hungarian stroke guidelines mention ocular stroke. Based on the available literature, intravenous thrombolysis of the central retinal artery within 4.5 hours of occlusion can increase the odds of significant vision improvement. Cur-rently 4 centers (University of Pecs, Debrecen, Szeged, and Semmelweis University) are planning to introduce thrombolysis in the treatment of ocular stroke. To prevent permanent visual loss and secondary cerebrovascular events, timely intervention requires the collaboration between general practitioners and other specialties.