Optical coherence tomography in retinal arterial occlusions: case series and review of the literature.

Retinal arterial occlusions (RAOs) are an uncommon source of monocular vision loss, typically occurring in patients over the age of 60. Diagnosis is typically made by history and clinical examination, while ancillary testing may include fluorescein angiography. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is not routinely utilized in the diagnostic assessment of RAO, and its role in the diagnosis and management of patients with RAO is still evolving. In this series, we review the literature on OCT findings in RAOs, particularly noting the role of OCT in delineating anatomic findings, chronicity and natural course, and functional outcomes. A case series of five patients with RAOs is provided to illustrate these findings.