CRAO and CRVO: causes, symptoms and treatments

What is CRAO (central retinal artery occlusion)?

The Central Retinal Artery is the key artery responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the nerve cells that make up the retina lining the back of your eye. If this artery gets blocked by a blood clot or a bit of cholesterol, it robs the retinal cells of oxygen and they begin to die off.

Without the restoration of blood flow, the retina can survive only approximately 4-6 hours. Essentially, this is a “stroke of the eye.” The typical symptom of a CRAO is a sudden onset of painless vision loss.

Unfortunately, at this time there is no proven effective therapy for CRAO, and the administration of thrombolytic agents is not advised.

The most important part of the treatment is immediate stroke-protocol work up and patients are typically referred to Emergency Room for a full evaluation of the heart, ultrasound of the carotid arteries in the neck as a possible emboli source, and urgent assessment of all stroke risk factors.

What is CRVO (central retinal vein occlusion)?

Swelling and bleeding in the retina affect vision. The degree of vision loss depends on the extent of vein blockage and the size of the affected blood vessel. The most common risk factor for this condition is high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking.

Treatment involves focusing on risk factor control to prevent the development of the same condition in the other eye, as well as management of macular edema (swelling) using intraocular injections.

Why choose Assil Eye Institute for your retinal treatment

The AEI staff includes a highly-skilled retina specialist, Dr. Svetlana Pilyugina or “Dr. P”, as she is known to her patients. Dr. Pilyugina is an ophthalmologist with fellowship training and board certification in diseases and surgery of the vitreous and retina.

Dr. P has extensive experience treating macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal tears and detachment, flashes, floaters, and complex retinal conditions.

Apart from her eye care experience, Dr. P is known for her dedication to her patients and focus on personal service. That is why she limits the number of patients that she sees daily in the clinic to allow her to dedicate sufficient time for evaluation and consultation with each patient, to meet her high standard of care.

To schedule an appointment, either call 866-945-2745 or click here to make an appointment online.