The authors describe diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) as an accessible way to screen for acute retinal pathology in emergency setting. They describe three proof-of-principle patients who had abrupt onset of vision loss from acute retinal pathology where DWI was diagnostic. The deficits included central retinal artery occlusion and acute retinitis with retinal necrosis. DWI can be non-specific for aetiology, but it can rapidly localise the retinal pathology and initiate early therapeutic interventions in the emergency room.
Keywords: Acute vision loss; blindness; retinal infection; retinal ischaemia.