Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

A branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) is a blockage that deprives the retina of its blood supply. This usually occurs suddenly without warning and can cause severe and permanent loss of vision in the affected eye. The extent of vision loss depends on the location and size of the blocked artery. The most common cause of a BRAO is an embolus which has traveled through the bloodstream and, by chance, entered into the retinal circulation. The occurrence of a BRAO suggests that the afflicted person may be at risk of other embolic events including stroke. Thus, a general medical evaluation by a primary care physician looking for potential embolic sources in the heart and major arteries is very important so that any such abnormalities can be properly treated. Risk factors for BRAO include high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, smoking, and heart disease.

Eyes that have suffered a BRAO are at risk for potentially severe long-term complications. Treatment of these complications is possible and may prevent additional difficulties. Thus, even though there is no effective treatment for the vision loss from BRAO, periodic check-ups are important to identify such complications at an early stage.