![]() The outer and middle retina is nourished by the choroid, which gets its blood supply from a different branch of the OA called the posterior ciliary arteries. 1,2 The CRA is a terminal branch of the OA and serves as the primary source of blood to the retina. These branches continue to bifurcate and supply blood to the inner retinal layers. 1 It then branches superiorly and inferiorly, dividing further into nasal and temporal arcades (branches). 1-3 The first branch, the central retinal artery, runs along the optic nerve, passing through the lamina cribrosa and entering the optic disc nasal to the postocular center. 1-3 The retina is supplied with blood through two branches of the OA: the central retinal artery (CRA) and the posterior ciliary arteries. Retinal Blood Supply and DrainageThe ophthalmic artery (OA), the first major subdivision of the internal carotid artery on each side, is the first in a series of several arteries responsible for nourishing various ocular structures and adnexa. This feature is the second in a four-part series that offers an in-depth look at the intricacies of retinal vasculature to highlight the importance of the vascular supply in maintaining retinal integrity and function. They can also serve as a marker for underlying systemic illnesses and dictate the clinician’s work-up and treatment plan. Though these aberrations are rare, they can have a significant impact on vision and treatment of visual complications. To help you better prepare to recognize vascular-based abnormalities, we provide here a guided tour of the blood vessels and structures surrounding the retina, as well as an explanation of the congenital anomalies associated with each structure. The patterns of our retinal vessels are as distinctive and idiosyncratic as fingerprints, which is why retina scans can be used as a high-tech identification tool. When investigating suspected retinal disease, it can sometimes be difficult to discern the role played by the vasculature, in part because of how unique it is to each patient. The retina relies on a well-functioning blood supply to do its precious work without interruption or incident. ![]() ![]() Part 4: Identify and Manage Retinal Vascular Tumors Part 3: Imaging Motion: a Review of OCT-A Follow the links below to read the other installments in this miniseries: ![]()
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