What physical exam finding is common in patients with branch retinal artery occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion?

The finding that is common in patients with both branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is the presence of cotton wool spots. Cotton wool spots appear as fluffy white patches on the retina and are associated with retinal ischemia. In the context of BRAO and CRVO, these spots are indicative of localized retinal ischemia that can occur due to the disruption of blood flow. They form when there is a blockage of the nerve fiber layer, leading to edema and accumulation of axoplasmic material within the nerve fibers.

While a cherry red spot is typically seen in cases of central retinal artery occlusion rather than in both occlusions, hyphema is associated with bleeding in the anterior chamber of the eye, and a corneal abrasion refers to a superficial injury to the cornea. These findings are not characteristic of retinal occlusions. As a result, cotton wool spots are the relevant examination finding that reflects the underlying pathology of both branch retinal artery occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion.