Eye Stroke: Symptoms, Types, and Causes

 

Symptoms of an Eye Stroke

1. Sudden Vision Loss: Sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye.
2. Blurring of Vision: Vision may become blurred or obscured.
3. Partial Vision Loss: Loss of peripheral vision or a darkened area in the field of vision.
4. Visual Distortions: Objects may appear smaller or larger than they are, or straight lines may appear wavy.
5. Flashing Lights: Some people experience flashing lights or floaters.

Types of Eye Stroke

1. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

   • Description: Blockage of the main artery supplying blood to the retina.
   • Symptoms: Sudden, severe loss of vision in one eye, often without pain.
   • Causes: Blood clots or cholesterol emboli.

2. Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO)

   • Description: Blockage of one of the smaller branches of the retinal artery.
   • Symptoms: Sudden, partial loss of vision, often affecting one quadrant of the visual field.
   • Causes: Similar to CRAO, often due to smaller clots or emboli.

3. Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

   • Description: Blockage of the main vein draining blood from the retina.
   • Symptoms: Painless vision loss that may develop gradually or suddenly, with possible swelling and hemorrhages in the retina.
   • Causes: Blood clots or thrombosis, often associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, and glaucoma.

4. Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)

   • Description: Blockage of one of the smaller branches of the retinal vein.
   • Symptoms: Gradual vision loss or blurring, often in part of the visual field.
   • Causes: Similar to CRVO, often due to smaller clots.

Causes of Eye Stroke

1. Atherosclerosis: Hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup, leading to blood flow obstruction.
2. Embolism: Blood clots or cholesterol particles that travel from other parts of the body (e.g., the heart or carotid arteries) and block the retinal vessels.
3. High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blockages.
4. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of occlusions.
5. High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque formation and emboli that block blood vessels.
6. Cardiovascular Disease: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of blood clots that travel to the eye.
7. Inflammatory Conditions: Certain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions can increase the risk of blood vessel occlusion.

Management and Prevention

• Immediate Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical care if you experience sudden vision loss.
• Control Blood Pressure: Keep blood pressure within a healthy range.
• Manage Diabetes: Control blood sugar levels.
• Lower Cholesterol: Maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Quit Smoking: Avoid tobacco products.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Regular Eye Exams: Regular check-ups with an eye specialist can help detect and manage risk factors early.

If you suspect an eye stroke or experience any of the symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to minimize the risk of permanent vision loss and address underlying health issues.