Retinal artery occlusion is caused by a tiny piece of a blood clot or of a fatty deposit that has traveled from a blood vessel elsewhere in the body. The clot cuts off all or part of the retina's blood supply. If the artery is blocked, there is immediate blindness in the eye that is involved. If a branch of the artery is blocked, only part of the vision, usually the upper or lower half, of the eye blacks out. If you suddenly lose all or part of the vision of one eye, you should see your doctor immediately, or go to a hospital emergency room.

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