Delayed filling of retinal and ciliary circulation after central retinal artery occlusion.

The filling times of the retinal and choroidal circulation were evaluated in 17 patients with central retinal artery occlusion by means of fluorescein angiography. A correlation between the filling times of the two circulations was found. However, two filling patterns were seen: first, both fillings delayed; second, both fillings normal. It is probable that in the former case an obstructive disease of the carotid arteries exists, while in the latter case an important pathology of the carotid arteries is lacking, favouring a rapid restoration of the retinal circulation. This hypothesis seems to be confirmed by the results of the Doppler velocimetry of the carotid arteries.