Bilateral symmetrical branch retinal artery occlusions

We present a report of a 52-year-old hypertensive patient with documented bilateral symmetrical branch retinal artery occlusions involving the maculae. The patient presented with no visual symptoms and maintained 6/5 unaided visual acuity in each eye. Although the incidence of retinal artery occlusion in hypertensive patients is well documented, symmetrical bilateral branch retinal artery occlusions suggest a possible anatomical vascular predisposition.

The use of dynamic ultrasound B-scan to detect retinal tears in spontaneous vitreous haemorrhage

The use of dynamic ultrasound B-scan to detect retinal tears in spontaneous vitreous haemorrhage is described. A 6-month prospective study was undertaken of non-diabetic patients who presented with spontaneous vitreous haemorrhage, in whom the fundus could not be visualised and in whom a rhegmatogenous aetiology was suspected. Patients were followed up at least weekly with repeat B-scans until adequate fundus visualisation was possible. Eight patients in total were included in the study; of these, 4 were thought to have retinal tear at initial ultrasound examination and this was confirmed later when the haemorrhage cleared. A scanning protocol is suggested.