Central retinal artery occlusion with unusual etiologies: Lessons from three rare cases

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ophthalmic emergency resulting in profound vision loss, most often caused by embolic obstruction of the central retinal artery. We present three uncommon cases of CRAO with distinct etiologies and variable outcomes. Case 1 demonstrates that CRAO can be the presenting feature in bilateral systemic lupus rrythematosus associated occlusive vasculopathy. Case 2 highlights a 67-year-old female with arteritic CRAO and cilioretinal artery sparing due to giant cell arteritis, who retained useful vision following prompt corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy. Case 3 reports a rare presentation of CRAO in a 52-year-old male following multiple honeybee stings, complicated by intraocular granuloma, with poor visual gain despite aggressive treatment. These cases emphasize the diverse etiologies of CRAO, the importance of early recognition and intervention, and the need for systemic evaluation and multidisciplinary management to address associated life-threatening vascular risks.