Nätharmsartärsocclusion

Nätharmsartärsocclusion, often referred to as central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), is a medical condition characterized by the blockage of the main artery supplying blood to the retina. This blockage leads to a sudden and severe loss of vision, often described as a curtain descending over the eye. The retina, a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients from the retinal arteries to function properly. When this blood flow is interrupted, retinal cells begin to die, resulting in vision impairment.

The most common cause of CRAO is an embolus, a small clot that travels from elsewhere in the body, typically from the carotid arteries in the neck or the heart, and lodges in the narrow retinal artery. Other contributing factors can include inflammation of the artery (arteritis), hypercoagulable states, and certain cardiovascular diseases. Risk factors for CRAO are similar to those for stroke and heart attack, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and heart disease.

Diagnosis of CRAO is typically made through a thorough eye examination, which may include checking visual acuity, examining the retina with an ophthalmoscope, and potentially performing imaging tests like a fluorescein angiogram to visualize blood flow. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial, although the prognosis for restoring vision is often poor due to the rapid and irreversible damage to the retinal cells. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and attempting to restore blood flow if possible, although interventions are often limited by the time elapsed since symptom onset.