Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
(CRAO)

Sudden, permanent loss of vision primarily affecting those ages 50 to 70

Condition

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion is blockage of the central retinal artery resulting in sudden, permanent loss of vision across a wide area of the visual field.

Risk factors

CRAO usually occurs in people between the ages of 50 and 70. The most common cause of CRAO is a thrombosis, an abnormal blood clot formation. CRAO is commonly correlated with arteriosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries. Carotid artery disease is found in almost 50 percent of the people suffering from CRAO.

Symptoms

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) blocks the central artery in the retina, causing a sudden and painless loss of vision.

Treatment

It is critical to get immediate treatment to avoid permanent loss of vision. Irreversible retinal damage occurs after 90 minutes, but vision may still be saved 24 hours after symptoms begin. The goal of emergency treatment is to restore retinal artery blood flow. A thorough medical evaluation is recommended after treatment.

Normal retina, Healthy pink/orange retina

Eye with central retinal artery occlusion, pale retina

Central retinal artery occlusion, Pale, ischemic retina

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