This keeps oxygen and other nutrients from getting where they are needed.
CRAO may happen seemingly out of nowhere and without causing pain.
The first symptom may be sudden vision loss.
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Thisrequires emergency attentionto help save vision.
CRAO is also known as aneye stroke.
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What Causes Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)?
Anything that keeps blood from flowing through the vessels as it should can cause retinal vascular occlusion.
Causes can include a blood clot in the vessel or cholesterol deposits narrowing the artery.
How CRAO Is Diagnosed
Anyone with symptoms of CRAO should be taken to the emergency room.
These tests can include blood tests for clotting problems and other factors.
Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence that any of the treatments are effective.
Clot-busting medication may be given.
What’s the Outlook for CRAO?
How well you fare with CRAO may depend partly on how fast you seek help.
The faster you begin treatment to restore blood flow, the better.
However, if loss of blood flow goes beyond this window, then vision loss is permanent.
What’s more, CRAO may not only involve the eye.
Your overall health may impact your prognosis.
Because of the link to other health factors, managing these conditions is imperative.
Otherwise, you remain at increased risk of experiencing another CRAO episode.
Can CRAO Be Prevented?
But if these conditions are effectively managed, CRAO may be avoided.
Don’t wait to see if it improves.
Go to the emergency room immediately.
Time is of the essence to preserve the retina.
People experiencing CRAO risk vision loss and are also at risk for a life-threatening stroke.
Treatment aims to restore blood flow to the retina to help preserve sight.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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