What is CRAO?
CRAO stands for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion and refers to blockage of the main retinal artery that carries oxygen to the nerve cells in the retina. This lack of oxygen delivery can result in loss of vision. This eye condition most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 50 and 70. Carotid artery disease is also found in almost 50% of people with CRAO.
The most common cause of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion is a thrombosis. Thrombosis is an abnormal blood clot formation. Another cause of CRAO is a clot that breaks off from another area of the body and transports to the retina by the bloodstream. This eye condition blocks the central artery in the retina. The first sign of CRAO is a sudden loss of vision. If this occurs, patients need to call Boston Vision for immediate evaluation.
Who is at Risk for CRAO?
The central retinal artery occlusion occurs due to a blockage of the retinal artery. This is most common with people between the ages of 50 and 70. There are various factors that put you more at risk for this condition. Risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Intravenous drug abuse
- Carotid artery disease
- Valvular heart disease
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Giant-cell arteritis
- Pregnancy
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Blood platelet abnormalities
- Homocystinuria
All of these can put you at more risk for developing this condition. CRAO is more commonly found in men than in women.
Call Boston Eye Group
If you or a loved one has symptoms of central retinal artery occlusion, it is important that you seek immediate evaluation. To schedule your appointment, book online with us or email us at help@bostonvision.com to get started.
