Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO): Causes, Symptoms & Risk Factors

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a condition in which the main artery that supplies blood to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, becomes blocked by a blood clot. This can lead to sudden, painless loss of vision in the affected eye.

CRAO is a relatively rare condition, but it is more common in people who have certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and smoking. The risk of CRAO also increases with age.

Symptoms of CRAO include:

* Sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye

* Dim or blurred vision

* A dark or empty area in the center of the visual field

* Floaters or spots in the vision

* Headache

Treatment for CRAO typically involves lowering eye pressure and administering medications to help dissolve the blood clot. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the blood clot or to create a new connection between the artery and the retina.

Early diagnosis and treatment of CRAO is essential to prevent permanent vision loss. If you experience any of the symptoms of CRAO, it is important to see an eye doctor immediately.