A meta-analysis suggests a possible benefit, but a randomized trial is needed for confirmation.
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) from thromboembolic disease causes sudden, severe visual loss that typically shows poor recovery. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of reported clinical data since 1966 to assess the potential efficacy of intravenous (IV) thrombolytic therapy (streptokinase, urokinase, or tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) for CRAO. The authors defined visual recovery as an improvement in Snellen acuity from 20/200 or worse to 20/100 or better.
The meta-analysis included 147 patients who received IV fibrinolytics, 419 who received conservative treatments, and 396 who received no treatment. Among IV fibrinolytic recipients treated within 4.5 hours, visual improvement occurred in 17 of 34 patients (50%) treated with…