Central Retina Artery Occlusion is a condition where the artery supplying the retina is blocked. This can happen from blood clotting within the vessel, or most commonly from a cholesterol plaque. The result is damage to the retinal tissue and severe vision loss. This condition is generally-speaking irreversible after the first 90 minutes. A common finding is a “cherry-red spot” on exam, due to whitening of swollen retinal cells around a center area that does not have these cells.

Vision loss in a CRAO is often sudden, and sometimes noted upon awakening. People with CRAO need to have evaluation for source of occlusion. This is considered an “eye stroke.” Mid- to long-term management includes monitoring for secondary complications, such as new blood vessel formation and high or very low eye pressure changes.

A Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO) is similar to a CRAO but involves only a portion of the blood flow.

If you are suffering from vision loss, see Dr. Ezon at Jersey Shore Retina Consultants, LLC for evaluation and care coordination.