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Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of emergency department management of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). It examines common presentations, etiologies, workup, and various treatment options with their evidence.

Recent Findings

There is limited research on CRAO. Most treatment methods and guidelines are based on observational literature, case series, retrospective studies, and expert opinion. Many of the treatments available to the emergency provider have limited success. More advanced treatments with hyperbaric therapy or thrombolytics are becoming more established.

Summary

Workup for CRAO should focus on establishing the etiology of the event. There are many treatment options available to the emergency provider, including emergent hyperbaric oxygen therapy and thrombolytics. Emergency department care should occur in conjunction with ophthalmology and neurology. Much of the treatment is guided towards preventing future cardiovascular events.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Howard County General Hospital, 11067, Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044, USA

    Dylan Lescure

  2. R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Hyperbaric and Dive Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Kinjal Sethuraman

  3. University of Maryland SOM Department of Emergency Medicine, 110 S Paca St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    Kinjal Sethuraman

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Correspondence to Kinjal Sethuraman.

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Lescure, D., Sethuraman, K. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 11, 198–206 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-023-00275-2

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