Influence of endarterectomy on the structure and function of the retina and optic nerve

Abstract

Carotid arteries are the main blood vessels supplying the brain, neck, and face as well as ophthalmic arteries. Internal carotid arteriosclerosis is strictly associated with ophthalmic symptoms caused by damage to the optic nerve. This condition can manifest as an ocular ischemic syndrome or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. One of the surgical procedures that treat carotid arteriosclerosis is an endarterectomy. It has been proved that this surgical procedure can additionally reduce intraocular pressure and improve visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field, a bioelectrical function of the optic nerve and retina, and perfusion of the optic nerve head. It has been also observed that the procedure does not affect retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and ganglion cell layer. The aim of this review was, to sum up information on the influence of endarterectomy on the function of the optic nerve based on the up-to-date internet database.