What is the treatment for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Treatment for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion is usually focused on preserving vision and preventing further vision loss. Once CRAO has occurred, there is no treatment that can restore vision.

1. Treatment for emergency: In the event of CRAO being diagnosed early, intra-arterial thrombolysis and intra-arterial Papaverine injection may be used to dislodge the clot. These treatments are not available widely and can be considered invasive.

2. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy can be used to stop emboli from spreading if the underlying cause of the emboli is a systemic one.

3. Low vision rehabilitation: This is recommended for patients with severe visual loss due to CRAO.

4. Ocular treatments: If the occlusion is due to a retinal embolism or laser therapy, surgery may be performed to remove it and restore blood flow. However, these procedures are not very successful.

Important to remember that CRAO treatment should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis. However, once vision loss has occurred, there is no treatment that can restore sight. Most patients will experience permanent visual loss. The prognosis for CRAO is poor