Which statement about central retinal artery occlusion is true?

• A. It is primarily managed with systemic chemotherapy.
• B. It is an ophthalmic emergency requiring urgent ophthalmology referral.
• C. It resolves spontaneously within hours.
• D. It is commonly caused by cataracts.

Answer: (B)

Central retinal artery occlusion presents as a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye due to blockage of the central retinal artery. The retina is highly sensitive to ischemia, so rapid perfusion is crucial to try to limit damage. Because this is a vascular event with potential systemic implications, it is treated as an emergency: urgent referral to an ophthalmologist is essential to pursue immediate steps to restore blood flow and to evaluate/treat underlying risk factors or causes (like carotid disease or cardiac sources) and to assess for inflammatory conditions if indicated. While some initial maneuvers (like ocular massage or lowering intraocular pressure) are used in attempts to improve flow, there is no guaranteed rapid cure, and outcomes depend on how quickly perfusion can be restored. This condition is not treated with systemic chemotherapy, does not typically resolve on its own within hours, and cataracts do not cause CRAO.