Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

Sudden painless monocular vision loss (often noticed on waking). Fundoscopy: • Cherry-red spot (preserved choroidal supply through fovea). • Pale ischaemic retina. • Cattle-trucking of arterioles. • Embolus may be visible. RAPD present. Causes: carotid embolus most common (atherosclerotic), cardiac embolus (AF, valve), GCA (must exclude in elderly), hypercoagulable state, vasculitis. New evidence: CRAO is a 'stroke equivalent' — high cerebrovascular event risk in following weeks. Urgent same-day ophthalmology + stroke pathway.