The central retinal artery is a branch of the ophthalmic artery that enters the optic nerve approximately 10 mm behind the globe and travels within the nerve to emerge at the optic disc, where it divides into superior and inferior branches supplying the inner two-thirds of the retina. As a functional end artery with no anastomoses, its occlusion produces immediate and complete visual loss unless flow is restored within 90-100 minutes.
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) presents as sudden painless complete monocular visual loss, the ophthalmic equivalent of an acute stroke. Fundoscopy reveals a pale, ischaemic retina with a cherry-red spot at the fovea where the underlying choroidal circulation is visible through the thinner retinal tissue. The embolus source is most commonly carotid artery atherosclerosis or cardiac emboli. CRAO is now treated as a hyperacute stroke equivalent with thrombolysis within 4.5 hours where available. Temporal arteritis must be excluded immediately in patients over 50 by ESR and CRP.
Embolic or thrombotic occlusion of the central retinal artery produces sudden painless complete monocular visual loss with a pale retina and cherry-red spot on fundoscopy, treated as a hyperacute ocular emergency with immediate ocular massage, carbon dioxide inhalation, and IV thrombolysis within the therapeutic window.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
