Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) is often called the "heart attack of the eye." It's one of the most urgent and devastating types of eye stroke, where blood flow to the retina is suddenly blocked. Without proper circulation, the retina is starved of oxygen, and vision can be lost in a matter of minutes.
Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, a leader in holistic ophthalmology, explains:
"When blood flow is cut off, the retinal cells can suffocate. Some cells will die, but others may simply go dormant. Those are the ones we aim to wake back up with treatment."
What is CRAO?
- CRAO happens when the central retinal artery, the main vessel feeding the retina, becomes blocked.
- It's usually caused by a clot or plaque traveling from another part of the body (often the carotid artery or the heart).
- Think of it like a plumbing blockage—the retina simply isn't getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs.
If left untreated, CRAO can result in permanent vision loss. But as Dr. Rosenfarb emphasizes, time is critical:
"The sooner we get you into treatment, the better your outcomes. This is a window of opportunity we don't want to miss."
Symptoms of CRAO
Symptoms usually appear suddenly and in one eye:
- Painless but severe loss of vision
- Sudden blurring or dimming of vision
- Loss of central vision or total blackout in the affected eye
- Sometimes flashes, floaters, or blind spots appear first
If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, treat it as a medical emergency—get checked right away.
Causes and Risk Factors
CRAO is strongly linked to vascular health. The same risk factors that increase your chance of a heart attack or brain stroke also raise CRAO risk:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Carotid artery disease
- Smoking
- Heart disease and arrhythmias
- COVID-related clotting or post-vaccine inflammatory stress (something Dr. Rosenfarb notes has contributed to a rise in cases in recent years:contentReference[oaicite:0]0)
Conventional Medicine's Approach
In hospitals, CRAO is treated as an emergency. Typical approaches may include:
- Blood thinners
- Injections to reduce swelling
- Laser therapy
- In some cases, attempts to dislodge the clot with ocular massage or surgery
These treatments may stabilize the eye, but patients are often left with a "wait and see" recovery window.
Holistic & Functional Treatment Options
At the Eye Health Institute, Dr. Rosenfarb integrates Chinese medicine, naturopathy, and functional ophthalmology to improve outcomes after CRAO.
Key therapies include:
Ophthalmic Acupuncture
Specialized systems like Micro Acupuncture 48 and scalp acupuncture stimulate blood flow and support neuroplasticity.
Alternating Current Microstimulation (ACS-3000)
A device developed by Dr. Rosenfarb that gently stimulates retinal cells to encourage repair and reactivation.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Drives oxygen directly into starved tissues, bypassing blocked blood vessels.
"Hyperbaric is the single best therapy for stroke recovery if you can access it."
Laser Therapy & Microcurrent
Used to reduce oxidative stress, support cellular energy, and improve circulation.
Supplements & Nutrition
Dr. Rosenfarb often recommends targeted nutrients like enzymes (serrapeptase, nattokinase), omega-3 DHA, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory herbs to improve vascular health:contentReference[oaicite:1]1.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Dr. Rosenfarb stresses:
"When we get patients in early—ideally within weeks of the stroke—we have the best chance of waking up dormant cells and preserving vision. Waiting too long can mean those cells are lost for good."
Even patients years post-stroke have shown improvements, but earlier treatment is always better.
Patient Success Story
One of Dr. Rosenfarb's CRAO patients arrived with sudden vision loss in her right eye. After a two-week intensive program of acupuncture, hyperbaric therapy, and supplements, she went from not being able to see the eye chart to reading 20/32 vision.
"This medicine never ceases to amaze me. When we do the right things at the right time, the body responds."
Getting Help
If you or a loved one has suffered CRAO:
- Act quickly – stabilize medically, then seek functional care.
- Explore treatments like natural eye stroke recovery options and integrated modalities.
- Consider a Telehealth consultation or in-office intensive at the Eye Health Institute.
Your vision deserves every chance at recovery.
FAQs about CRAO
Is CRAO an emergency?
Yes. Any sudden vision loss should be treated as a medical emergency.
Can vision return after CRAO?
Yes. Some vision may recover naturally, but holistic treatments improve the chances of waking dormant retinal cells.
What's the difference between CRAO and CRVO?
CRAO blocks the central artery (oxygen supply), while CRVO blocks the central vein (blood drainage).
How soon should treatment begin?
Immediately. Early intervention offers the best outcomes.
Are there natural therapies that help?
Yes. Acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen, microstimulation, and supplements all play a role in improving recovery.