Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

What is Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)?

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) is a serious eye condition where the central retinal artery, responsible for supplying blood to the retina, becomes blocked.

This sudden blockage restricts blood flow to the retina, leading to severe vision impairment or even blindness if not promptly treated.

Side Effects of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

The main side effect of CRAO is sudden, painless, and severe vision loss in the affected eye. Patients may experience a sudden onset of blurred vision or complete darkness in one eye, often described as a "curtain coming down" over their vision.

Some individuals may also notice a rapid deterioration in color perception.

How is Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) Diagnosed?

Diagnosing CRAO typically involves a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The doctor will conduct a thorough review of your medical history and symptoms and perform tests such as a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam to inspect the retina, and possibly imaging tests like fluorescein angiography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the extent of retinal damage and blood flow.

Potential Treatment of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

Prompt treatment is crucial to potentially restore or preserve vision in CRAO. Treatment options may include:

• Digital Massage: Gentle massage of the eyeball to dislodge the embolus causing the blockage.
• Ocular Hypotensive Agents: Medications to lower intraocular pressure, which can help improve blood flow to the retina.
• Intravenous Medications: Thrombolytic agents administered intravenously to dissolve the clot causing the blockage, though this treatment is controversial and must be carefully considered based on individual circumstances.
  
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A therapy where patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized room to increase oxygen delivery to the retina.
  
• Retinal Laser Therapy: In certain cases, laser treatment (like Nd:YAG laser embolysis) may be used to break up the clot causing the blockage.
  

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