CRAO
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Plain-language definition
Blockage of the main artery to the retina - an 'eye stroke' causing sudden, severe, painless vision loss. An ocular emergency.
Where this term comes up
“Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is often described as a "stroke of the eye."”
Condition · Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
“CRAO with cherry-red spot is a stroke and is managed under hyperacute stroke protocols where available”
Finding · Cherry-Red Spot
“The American Heart Association treats acute CRAO as a stroke emergency requiring immediate evaluation at a stroke-capable emergency department, urgent vascular and cardiac workup, and individualized consideration of…”
Guide · Sudden Severe Headache with Vision Change - Could This Be a Stroke?
- Category
- Condition, finding, or disease process
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Pathology terms describe diseases, tissue changes, exam findings, or complications that can affect vision or eye comfort.
Related glossary terms
- ischemia
Reduced Blood Supply
- CRP
C-Reactive Protein
- ESR
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
- macula
Central Retina
- fibrillation
Irregular Heart Rhythm
- hemorrhage
Bleeding
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.