Final answer:
The main symptom of central retinal artery occlusion is a sudden loss of vision in one eye, which can be partial or complete. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if this occurs to attempt to salvage vision and reduce permanent retinal damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main symptom of central retinal artery occlusion is a sudden loss of vision in one eye. This usually occurs without any pain. The loss of vision can be partial or complete, depending on the extent of the blockage and the area of the retina affected. The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye that converts light images to nerve signals and sends them to the brain. A blockage in the central retinal artery can cause significant damage to the retina, resulting in quick and serious vision loss.
Immediate medical attention is crucial to attempt to restore vision and minimize permanent damage to the retina. Other symptoms may include a sudden onset of floaters or flashing lights due to the retinal ischemia. It's important to note that the symptoms of central retinal artery occlusion are distinct from other forms of ocular disease, such as idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasia or peripheral artery disease (PAD).