When it comes to warning signs of stroke, most people think of numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or a sudden and severe headache.

However, many strokes also manifest in the eyes, and recognizing these ocular symptoms can be lifesaving.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the cells of the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive.

Different parts of the brain control different bodily functions, so the symptoms of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected.

Types of Strokes

There are two main types of strokes:.

Ischemic stroke: The most common type of stroke, caused by a blood clot that blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke: A less common type of stroke, caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain.

Eye Symptoms of Stroke

The following are eye symptoms of stroke:.

Visual Field Loss

Visual field loss is the loss of the ability to see part of the visual field. It can affect one or both eyes and can be complete or partial.

This symptom is common in strokes that affect the back part of the brain (occipital lobe) which is responsible for vision.

Double Vision

Double vision or diplopia is the perception of two images of a single object seen side by side. This symptom is caused by the misalignment of the eyes due to damage to the nerves that control eye movement.

It is common in strokes that affect the brainstem which controls the nerves responsible for eye movement.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is the inability to see sharp details. It can be caused by a problem with the cornea, lens, or retina. In stroke, blurred vision is caused by damage to the nerves that control eye movement or by a lack of blood supply to the retina.

Loss of Vision in One Eye

Loss of vision in one eye is called monocular vision loss. It can be caused by a problem with the optic nerve or retina. In stroke, monocular vision loss is caused by damage to the blood vessels that supply the optic nerve or retina of one eye.

Pupillary Abnormalities

Pupillary abnormalities refer to changes in the size or shape of the pupils. In stroke, pupillary abnormalities can be caused by damage to the nerves that control the pupils or by injury to the part of the brain that regulates the size of the pupils.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the above-listed eye symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of a stroke can prevent permanent brain damage and disability.

Preventing Stroke

Preventing stroke is essential to maintaining good health. Here are some tips to reduce your risk of stroke:.

Quit smoking
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet
Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
Limit alcohol consumption
Maintain a healthy weight

Conclusion

Stroke is a serious medical condition that can have dire consequences if not treated promptly. Recognizing the early warning signs of stroke, including eye symptoms, is critical to receiving timely medical care and preventing long-term damage.

If you experience any of the above-listed eye symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.