Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Anti-VEGF Resistance Through Advanced Vascular Morphology Assessment in Choroidal Neovascularization
05:14

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Anti-VEGF Resistance Through Advanced Vascular Morphology Assessment in Choroidal Neovascularization

Published on: August 11, 2023

1.5K

Chronic central retinal artery occlusion: Clinical manifestations, ocular neovascular complications, and risk of

Jae Ryong Song1,2, Se Joon Woo2

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Plos One
|October 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

About a quarter of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) patients develop chronic CRAO, increasing stroke risk and neovascular complications. Persistent retinal ischemia in chronic CRAO warrants close monitoring and systemic evaluation.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a critical condition with potential for long-term ischemic damage.
  • Chronic CRAO, defined by persistent retinal ischemia over a month post-onset, presents unique challenges.
  • Understanding the progression and complications of chronic CRAO is vital for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical characteristics of chronic CRAO.
  • To assess neovascular complications and stroke risk in chronic CRAO patients.
  • To differentiate outcomes based on perfusion status in chronic CRAO.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 570 eyes diagnosed with acute non-arteritic CRAO.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on 289 eyes meeting definitions for acute or chronic CRAO.
  • Chronic CRAO was confirmed by fluorescein angiography showing persistent retinal ischemia (>1 month post-onset), categorized by delayed perfusion or nonperfusion.

Main Results:

  • 25.6% of patients progressed to chronic CRAO.
  • Chronic CRAO patients were older and had more comorbidities.
  • Neovascularization of the iris and neovascular glaucoma were exclusive to chronic CRAO, with significantly higher rates in the nonperfusion subgroup (90% and 68%, respectively).
  • Stroke risk was elevated in chronic CRAO patients compared to acute CRAO patients.

Conclusions:

  • Approximately 25% of acute CRAO cases evolve into chronic CRAO.
  • Chronic CRAO is linked to increased stroke risk and ocular neovascularization.
  • Persistent retinal nonperfusion in chronic CRAO significantly elevates the risk of severe neovascular complications, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and systemic assessment.

More Related Videos

Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability07:23

Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability

Published on: August 6, 2021

3.2K
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia09:17

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia

Published on: November 6, 2017

22.2K

Related Concept Videos

Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.2K
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
343
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
951
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
8.7K
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
282
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
457