What is an eye stroke?
According to Dr. Madhusmita Behera, Senior Consultant, Department of Cataract, Orbital and Ophthalmic Surgery, Rotary Narayana Eye Hospital, India, eye stroke is also known as retinal artery occlusion, this condition occurs occurs when the veins or arteries of the retina are blocked by blood clots or narrowed blood vessels, leading to loss of vision .
What causes eye stroke?
“Like a stroke, when the blood supply to the brain is reduced or cut off, the retina in the eye also loses its blood supply,” Dr. Behera said. During an eye stroke, the retinal artery or vein is blocked by a blood clot, which then leads to an eye stroke.”
There are many types of eye strokes, depending on the blood vessels affected:
- Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO): the central retinal artery is blocked.
- Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO): the main retinal vein is blocked.
- Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO): the branch retinal artery is blocked.
- Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO): the retinal vein is blocked.
Common symptoms of eye stroke
- Sudden loss of vision.
- Blurred vision.
- Visual disturbances.
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Minor changes in vision that worsen over time.
How to prevent
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Effectively manage potential or pre-existing health problems.
- Regular eye examinations performed by a doctor.
