Why can’t I see after my heart is fixed: a case series of ocular complications after cardiac intervention

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report case series of retinal artery occlusion (RAO) as one of the significant complication post cardiac intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: We are reporting one case of branch RAO and one case of central RAO after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In case 1, a 74-year-old gentleman with pre-existing diabetes mellitus and hypertension was electively admitted for PCI for coronary artery disease (CAD) in our centre (UKMMC). Few hours after the procedure, patient complained of sudden blurring of vision in the right eye. He was found to have branch retinal artery occlusion. In case 2, a 49-year-old gentleman presented with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and had an emergency PCI performed 2 h upon admission. He noticed sudden dropped of vision in his right eye immediately after the procedure. He was diagnosed to have central retinal artery occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, retinal artery occlusion is a possible complication post PCI. Patients need to be informed especially in high risk cases.