Which of the following is a risk factor for central retinal artery occlusion?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Asthma
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Myopia

Answer: (A)

Central retinal artery occlusion happens when an embolus or thrombus blocks the central retinal artery, cutting off blood flow to the retina. Systemic vascular risk factors that promote atherosclerosis increase the chance of such an event, because they damage the vessel walls and foster plaque formation and thrombus or embolus development that can travel to the retinal circulation. Among the options, hypertension best fits this mechanism, since chronic high blood pressure accelerates atherosclerosis and makes plaque instability more likely, raising the risk of an occlusive event in the retinal artery. While hyperlipidemia also contributes to vascular disease and is a risk factor, asthma and myopia do not have a direct link to retinal arterial occlusion.