Early prostaglandin E1 treatment improves visual outcomes in central retinal artery occlusion: a retrospective study

Background Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a vision-threatening emergency with no established effective treatment. Prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ), known for its vasodilatory and cytoprotective properties, may offer therapeutic benefits for retinal ischemia. Methods In this retrospective study, we compared visual outcomes between CRAO patients who received intravenous PGE 1 within 24 hours of symptom onset (followed by oral administration) and those who received conventional therapy. PGE 1 was administered intravenously for 5 days. Results At one month, the PGE 1 group showed significantly better best-corrected visual acuity compared to the control group. Baseline structural retinal parameters, including maximal retinal thickness (MRT) and central retinal thickness (CRT), did not differ significantly between groups. In the PGE 1 group, baseline MRT was negatively correlated with visual acuity at one month. Retinal arteriovenous diameters showed no significant change post-treatment. No adverse events were observed in either group. Conclusion Early administration of PGE 1 may improve visual outcomes in CRAO. These findings support further investigation into PGE 1 as a potential treatment for acute retinal ischemia.