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The Central Retinal Artery
Book chapter

The Central Retinal Artery

Sohan Singh Hayreh
Ocular Vascular Occlusive Disorders, pp.31-53
Springer International Publishing
12/08/2014
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-12781-1_2

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Abstract

The central retinal artery (CRA) is the primary source of blood supply to the retina. A detailed discussion of it is essential for an understanding of the various aspects of CRA occlusion (CRAO). Though the CRA is of vital importance, its anatomy has been the subject of much controversy. A review of the literature reveals a striking lack of unanimity in the views of different workers [1–10]. Much of this confusion seems to be due to attempts to cover endless variations by rigid and dogmatic statements. Moreover, the number of specimens examined in each series has been rather small. It is also necessary to remember that the anatomical results from blood vessels depend upon the efficiency and completeness of the injection. I conducted a detailed, comprehensive anatomical study on various aspects of the CRA in 106 human specimens – in 100 specimens by injection with liquid neoprene latex and 6 by serial sectioning of the part of the optic nerve containing the CRA; this constituted the largest number of CRA specimens studied. The findings of that study are described in detail elsewhere [11–13]. This study showed that no two examples (even from the two eyes of the same person) wholly agreed in their pattern of origin, course, branches, distribution, and anastomoses; this means that any dogmatic ruling is likely to lead to error. The following discussion primarily represents a brief account of the findings of my study [11–13], with review of the relevant literature.
 Central Retinal Artery Giant Cell Arteritis Ophthalmic Artery Optic Disc Optic Nerve

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