Abstract:Carotid artery stenosis(CAS)can significantly impair ocular hemodynamics, resulting in ischemic injury involving the retina, choroid, and optic nerve. The severity of CAS can be accurately evaluated using multimodal imaging techniques, including carotid ultrasonography and magnetic resonance angiography. Moderate to severe CAS is closely associated with ocular ischemic syndrome, retinal arterial and venous occlusions, retinal structural alterations(such as retinal ischemic perivascular lesions, thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, and subretinal drusenoid deposits), ischemic optic neuropathy, and changes in choroidal blood flow. Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting may improve ocular perfusion and alleviate ischemic manifestations; however, postoperative complications such as retinal artery embolism require careful monitoring. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of the relationship between CAS and ocular ischemic diseases.
