Eye stroke: identify the symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of an eye stroke

Stroke does not always attack the brain, but can also be caused by blockage of blood flow to the arteries of the eye.

Eye stroke or what is known as retinal infarction, retinal artery stroke, or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is caused by blockages in the blood vessels in the retina. Blood vessels function to carry nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body.

When blood vessels become narrowed or blocked by blockages, the blood supply is either reduced or absent. This will cause serious damage to the area affected by the eye stroke.

AION blocks the blood supply to the retina, the lining on the inside of the eye that transmits light signals to the brain, so you can see things around you.

If the vessels in the retina are blocked, fluid from these vessels will leak into the retina, causing swelling.

This condition can cause damage to the retina, so that the sufferer experiences various visual disturbances and is even at great risk of causing loss of vision or permanent blindness.

Types of eye stroke

Depending on the type experienced, the symptoms and how to treat the condition may differ. Here are 4 types of eye strokes you need to know:

1. Central retinal artery occlusion

This type occurs due to a blockage in the main blood flow to the eye nerves. As a result, the nerves in the eye are deprived of oxygen and nutritional intake.

Symptoms that are felt are generally in the form of a general decrease in vision. Decreased ability to see occurs in one eye suddenly, without redness or pain.

Several factors increase the risk of central retinal artery occlusion, including:

• High blood pressure.
• History of stroke.
• Smoking habit.
• Obesity.

In this type of eye stroke, treatment must be done quickly in less than 24 hours. Prompt treatment can reduce the possibility of permanent nerve damage that can lead to blindness.

Handling can be done by using oral drugs, drops, surgery, or a combination of the three.

2. Branch retinal artery occlusion

This type occurs because of a blockage in one of the branches of the bloodstream. As a result, visual disturbances are partial, or only in one area (up / down / left / right).

The tests that can be done for this type of eye stroke include a complete blood count, blood sugar test, and heart function tests or an EKG to look for possible causes of the blockage.

Treatment for this type of eye stroke is not as aggressive as for central retinal artery occlusion. Treatment is usually more aimed at preventing the recurrence of stroke symptoms at a later date.

3. Central retinal vein occlusion

This type of stroke occurs when a blockage occurs in the back flow of blood from the retina to the heart. Central retinal vein occlusion is more common than abnormalities of the retinal artery.

Central retinal vein occlusion eye stroke consists of 2 types, namely:

• Ischemic, if the blockage occurs completely.
• Non-ischemic, if the blockage occurs only partially.

Symptoms that arise can include a sudden decrease in vision or a decrease in vision that occurs slowly.

Some additional conditions that can increase a person's risk of developing central retinal vein occlusion include:

• History of glaucoma.
• Use of oral contraceptives.
• Use of diuretic drugs.

Treatment for eye stroke is done using a laser or injection in the eye to reduce the chance of stroke complications.

4. Branch retinal vein occlusion

Slightly different from other types, most eye stroke sufferers are not aware of experiencing it.

Symptoms of decreased vision will only be felt when a blockage occurs in the veins that drain the center of vision (macula).

More than 70% of sufferers of this type of stroke have a history of high blood pressure first. Treatment usually aims to control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and prevent complications.

Eye stroke signs & symptoms

Symptoms can occur slowly over hours or days, or they can occur suddenly.

You need to note, AION does not always have an impact on both eyes. Blood vessel blockage can affect only one eye.

Here are some of the symptoms that may arise:

• The vision is like lightheadedness, or white spots appear on the vision.
• Pain or pressure in the eye.
• Blurred vision that continues to get worse in part or all of your vision.
• Complete loss of vision can occur slowly or suddenly.

If you experience the symptoms above, consult an eye doctor immediately. Without prompt and appropriate treatment, a stroke in the eye can cause you to lose sight (blindness) permanently.

Causes of eye stroke

An eye stroke occurs because of a blockage in blood flow that damages the retina. This blockage usually occurs due to narrowing of the blood vessels or the presence of blood clots.

Unfortunately, until now it is not certain why the eye organs can be affected by this condition.

Although AION can be caused by a blockage of the blood vessels that supply nutrients, it is more often caused by a lack of pressure or tissue perfusion.

Blood pressure changes relative to eye pressure and reduced blood pressure. This condition can also cause a cut in the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the optic nerve. As a result, the optic nerve network will be damaged so that vision loss.

Cardiovascular disease also increases the risk of this condition. In some patients with cardiovascular disease, blood pressure can drop rapidly during sleep. This condition can reduce blood circulation through the eye arteries which increases the chances of AION.

One of the most dangerous effects of eye stroke is known as arteritic AION. This is caused by a condition known as giant cell arteritis (GCA).

GCA causes inflammation of the medium and large optic arteries and nerves of the scalp. Meanwhile, the cause of GCA is unknown.

Eye stroke risk factors

Anyone can experience this condition, but there are factors that make you more at risk for developing it.

This condition is more common in middle-aged and elderly people. In fact, less than 10 percent of people who get AION and arteritic AION associated with GCA are under 45 years old. Those of you who are over 60 years old, have a smoking habit, and are male sex more at risk of this stroke.

Several health conditions that increase the risk include:

• Diabetes.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Glaucoma.
• Experiencing chest tightness.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• High cholesterol levels.
• Heart disease.
• Narrowing of the carotid arteries or neck arteries.

Diagnosis & treatment of eye stroke

How is an eye stroke diagnosed?

If you experience sudden vision loss, you should contact your eye doctor immediately. The doctor will do a thorough examination to find out if you have had an eye stroke.

Your eye doctor will dilate your pupils with eye drops which allows for a more thorough examination of the retina and for signs of damage.

Treatment for eye stroke

Can this condition be cured? In some cases, a person can regain some of his vision over time.

A study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that vision loss can occur in many sufferers, depending on the type of eye stroke they have.

The use of corticosteroids has been proven to be a successful eye stroke treatment in increasing the visibility of sufferers when done from the start. Therefore, it is very important to visit a doctor immediately if you experience sudden vision problems.

This eye stroke treatment can reduce leakage in blood vessels, reduce swelling and improve circulation.

However, this treatment is more common in cases of AION which is caused by reduced blood flow and inflammation of the eye nerves. Some doctors may also prescribe medications to lower eye pressure in the hopes of increasing blood flow to the optic nerve.

Some other medications recommended by your ophthalmologist within a few hours of symptoms appear, such as:

• Breathing in (inhaling) a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen, this can dilate the retinal arteries.
• Removes some of the fluid from the eye to move the blockage away from the retina.
• Clot or clot-busting drugs in the blood.
• Eye injection drugs such as corticosteroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor.
• Laser therapy.
• Hyperbaric or high pressure oxygen.

Other conditions that cause blood clots should also be treated. The sooner the treatment is given, the better chance you have of saving your vision.

Some patients can see again after experiencing this condition, although the vision is often not as good as it used to be.