Asymptomatic retinal emboli and current practice guidelines: a review

ABSTRACT

Asymptomatic retinal emboli are found in 1–3% of patients on routine fundus examination. As the use of teleretinal imaging for diabetic patients and ocular photography continues to increase, the number of asymptomatic retinal emboli found will also increase. This article will discuss the different aetiologies of retinal emboli and will present an overview of the recommended referrals for further systemic testing and treatment. It is important to communicate well with the primary care physician when asymptomatic retinal emboli are detected to ensure the appropriate investigations are undertaken.

KEYWORDS:

• Amaurosis fugax
• asymptomatic retinal embolus
• calcific plaque
• cholesterol embolus
• Hollenhorst plaque

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the VA New Jersey Health Care System. The contents do not represent the views of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.