Occlusion of the central retinal artery and ocular neovascularisation: an indirect association?

Ocular neovascularisation is recognised as an uncommon complication of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) but has been associated most frequently in those patients suffering from carotid artery occlusive disease. We report the finding of neovascularisation after CRAO in a group of 8 patients, who have presented over the previous 6 years. Four showed no evidence of atherosclerotic carotid disease and only 2 were diabetic. Although the group numbers are necessarily small, it is suggested that these cases support the assertion that ocular neovascularisation may occur following CRAO in the absence of any underlying and predisposing ischaemic or inflammatory condition.