CRAO
Pronunciation: CRAY-oh
Also written as: CRAO — central retinal artery occlusion
Central retinal artery occlusion causing acute severe vision loss.
Full Definition
Central retinal artery occlusion, an ophthalmological emergency resulting in acute, severe, painless vision loss due to blockage of the central retinal artery. Fundoscopy reveals a pale, edematous retina with a characteristic cherry-red spot at the macula. Causes include embolic disease, giant cell arteritis, and atherothrombosis. Requires immediate treatment within hours to prevent permanent blindness. Often indicates significant underlying cardiovascular or inflammatory disease requiring urgent systemic evaluation.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize; urgent condition requiring immediate documentation and treatment.
In Context
- "The patient's CRAO was treated with anterior chamber paracentesis and hyperbaric oxygen therapy." — Emergency ophthalmology consultation
- "Giant cell arteritis was ruled out as a cause of the CRAO through ESR and temporal artery biopsy." — Rheumatology consultation report