Current Approaches in the Management of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), an ophthalmological emergency, is a condition that progresses with acute, severe vision loss. Although there are different modalities in the treatment of acute CRAO, these treatment options aren’t supported by prospective, controlled studies and outcomes are not satisfying. In recent years, there have been increasing numbers of publications suggesting that patients with acute CRAO carry a signifi cant risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and that risk factors diagnosed timely could be life-saving. Based on literature, in CRAO, which is considered as a medical emergency, the patient should be referred for neurological and cardiologic examination as soon as possible after diagnosis. Here, we discuss current approaches in the management of central retinal artery occlusion, emphasizing acute ischemic event with high mortality which may develop following CRAO in the shed of current literature.