CRAO
Medical abbreviation · Ophthalmology & ENT
| Stands for | Central retinal artery occlusion |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
CRAO stands for Central retinal artery occlusion, an ophthalmology & ENT abbreviation.
Blockage of the main artery supplying the retina, usually by an embolus, causing sudden painless severe vision loss in one eye. It is considered an eye stroke and a medical emergency that warrants urgent stroke evaluation.
Example: Sudden painless loss of vision OD, cherry-red spot: CRAO, sent to stroke center for evaluation.
Usage notes
The classic finding is a pale retina with a "cherry-red spot" at the fovea. Patients have a high short-term risk of brain stroke, so guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend immediate referral to a stroke center. Giant cell arteritis must be ruled out in older adults. Visual outcomes are generally poor.
Related abbreviations
More ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations
- BPPV – Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- BRVO – Branch retinal vein occlusion
- C/D – Cup-to-disc ratio
- CF – Counting fingers
- CHL – Conductive hearing loss
- CI – Cochlear implant
- CRS – Chronic rhinosinusitis
- CRVO – Central retinal vein occlusion
- CSOM – Chronic suppurative otitis media
- CSR – Central serous retinopathy
- CYL – Cylinder
- DES – Dry eye syndrome
See all 74 ophthalmology & ENT abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.