Retinal arterial occlusions in young adults.

PURPOSE: To determine the cause, associated factors, visual results, and systemic morbidity in patients less than 40 years old with retinal arterial occlusions.

METHODS

We studied 27 eyes with nontraumatic retinal arterial occlusions in 21 patients less than 40 years old (range, 22 to 38 years; mean, 28 years).

RESULTS

Of the 21 patients, branch retinal artery (arteriolar) occlusion occurred in 15 (71%), central retinal artery occlusion occurred in five (24%), and cilioretinal artery occlusion occurred in one (5%). Retinal artery occlusions were bilateral in six patients (29%) and occurred in 14 women (67%). Emboli were identifiable in seven patients (33%). Cardiac valvular disease was the most commonly recognized etiologic agent and was present in four patients (19%). Various associated factors leading to a hypercoagulable state or embolic condition were identified in 19 patients (91%).

CONCLUSION

Retinal arterial occlusions in young adults occur via multiple mechanisms. Systemic evaluation allows detection of a risk factor for retinal arterial occlusive disease in most patients.