Most people associate stroke risks with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. However, recent studies have shown that certain eye features could also indicate a potential stroke risk.

These indicators can help doctors determine the likelihood of a person having a stroke and how to prevent it.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off or reduced. The brain cells start to die within minutes, and that can cause long-term disability or even death.

Stroke symptoms include weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness, and confusion.

How Eye Features Relate to Stroke Risk?

The eyes are the window to the soul, and in some cases, the indicator for a potential stroke. Recent studies have shown that certain eye features can indicate signs of arterial stiffening and high blood pressure, which could lead to a stroke.

Additionally, the eye can host blood clots or debris that could migrate to the brain and cause a stroke.

Studies have shown that people with certain eye features are at a higher risk for stroke:.

1. Retinal Vascular Caliber

The retinal vascular caliber measures the width of blood vessels supplying blood to the retina. In some cases, narrower vessels could indicate arterial stiffening and high blood pressure, which could lead to a stroke.

According to a study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke, people with narrower retinal vessels have a higher risk of stroke. This was particularly prevalent in women and elderly people.

2. Retinopathy

Retinopathy is a medical condition where the retina of the eye is damaged. This damage occurs due to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions. The eyes’ blood vessels and nerves become damaged, which can lead to vision problems.

According to a study published in PLOS ONE, people with retinopathy caused by high blood pressure have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t have retinopathy.

3. Optic Nerve

The optic nerve is the nerve joining the eye to the brain. The optic nerve can be affected by increased pressure inside the skull, such as in cases of intracranial hypertension or brain tumors.

In some cases, diseases like glaucoma can also result in optic nerve damage. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that people with signs of optic nerve damage had a 70% higher likelihood of stroke than those who did not have optic nerve damage.

4. Papilledema

Papilledema is the swelling of the optic nerve at the back of the eye. This swelling typically occurs due to increased pressure inside the skull, like in cases of intracranial hypertension.

A study published in Jama found that people with papilledema had a 69% higher risk of stroke and a higher mortality rate than those who did not have papilledema.

5. Cholesterol Deposits

The retina is one of the few places in the body where doctors can view blood vessels directly. Doctors can inspect the retinal blood vessels for cholesterol deposits, which could indicate high cholesterol levels and a potential risk of stroke.

6. Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. When the heart doesn’t pump blood properly, blood can pool in the heart and form clots. These clots can migrate from the heart to the brain and cause a stroke.

A study published in Stroke found that people with atrial fibrillation had a higher risk of stroke than those without the condition.

How can Eye Features Help Predict and Prevent a Stroke?

While eye features do not guarantee a stroke, they can help doctors predict who might be at risk. By monitoring a patient’s eye health, doctors can potentially prevent a stroke from occurring.

Additionally, doctors can use these eye features to initiate lifestyle changes and treatment that could lower the risk of stroke. Monitoring cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other risk factors could help prevent strokes in people at risk.

Conclusion

Eye features can provide a new way for doctors to assess a patient’s risk of stroke. By monitoring a patient’s eye health, doctors can potentially identify and prevent a stroke from occurring.

It is always essential to listen to your body and report any changes in vision or health to your healthcare provider promptly.