An ophthalmic exam is a regular examination of the eyes that is often performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. This exam can detect a variety of eye-related conditions and diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

However, recent research has shown that an ophthalmic exam can also provide insight into an individual’s risk of having a stroke.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This interruption can occur as a result of a blood clot, a hemorrhage, or other issues with blood vessels in the brain.

When the brain loses its blood supply, it can suffer damage that can result in a variety of symptoms, including:.

Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Dizziness or loss of balance
Severe headache

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, with over 140,000 people dying from stroke each year.

Because of this, there is an ongoing effort to find new ways to predict stroke risk so that preventative measures can be taken before a stroke occurs.

How Can an Ophthalmic Exam Predict Stroke Risk?

As it turns out, the blood vessels in the retina and the brain are structurally very similar. Because of this, changes in the retina’s blood vessels can indicate changes in blood vessels elsewhere in the body, including those in the brain.

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that patients who had abnormalities in their retinal blood vessels had a higher risk of stroke than those without these abnormalities.

Similarly, another study published in the European Heart Journal found that individuals with certain changes in the blood vessels of the eye, such as vessel narrowing, had an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Other Factors That Can Predict Stroke Risk

In addition to changes in the retina’s blood vessels, there are other factors that can predict an individual’s risk of having a stroke. Some of these factors include:.

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Smoking
Age
Gender

While these risk factors are well-known, they can be challenging to address, as they often require significant lifestyle changes or medication.

This is why the ability to predict stroke risk through an ophthalmic exam could be so valuable; it offers a non-invasive and easily repeatable way to identify individuals who may be at risk for stroke without the need for extensive testing or interventions.

Conclusion

The ability of an ophthalmic exam to predict stroke risk is a relatively new discovery, but it has already shown promise in several studies.

As research in this area continues, it’s likely that ophthalmic exams will become an increasingly important tool in the prevention of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. If you are concerned about your risk of stroke, talk to your doctor about scheduling an ophthalmic exam.