An ophthalmic stroke, also known as an eye stroke, is a rare condition that affects the blood supply to the retina. The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for sending visual information to the brain.

When the blood supply to the retina is disrupted, it can lead to vision loss or other visual disturbances.

Types of Ophthalmic Stroke

There are two main types of ophthalmic stroke: central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO).

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

CRAO occurs when the main artery supplying blood to the retina becomes blocked. This can happen due to an embolus, which is a clot or debris that travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in the artery.

Other causes of CRAO include inflammation, vasculitis, or compression of the artery.

Symptoms of CRAO:

– Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye.

– Blurred or dimmed vision.

– Complete loss of peripheral vision.

– A cherry-red spot in the center of the visual field.

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO)

BRAO occurs when a smaller branch of the retinal artery becomes blocked. The symptoms of BRAO are similar to those of CRAO, but they typically affect a smaller portion of the visual field.

Vision loss in BRAO may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the blockage and the efficiency of collateral blood flow.

Causes and Risk Factors

Some common causes and risk factors for ophthalmic stroke include:.

– Atherosclerosis: A buildup of plaque in the arteries can lead to narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels supplying the retina. This is a common cause of ophthalmic stroke.

– Cardiovascular disease: Conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes can increase the risk of ophthalmic stroke.

– Blood disorders: Certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease and clotting disorders, can increase the risk of blood clots that can block the retinal arteries.

– Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to ophthalmic stroke.

– Age: Ophthalmic strokes are more common in people over the age of 60.

Diagnosis

If you experience sudden vision loss or other visual disturbances, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

An ophthalmologist or optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate the extent of vision loss and determine the cause.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:.

– Visual acuity test: Measures the clarity of your vision.

– Visual field test: Checks for any blind spots in your field of vision.

– Retinal examination: Allows the doctor to examine the blood vessels in your retina for signs of blockage or other abnormalities.

– Fluorescein angiography: Involves injecting a dye into the bloodstream to visualize the blood flow in the retina.

– Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Produces detailed images of the retina to assess its thickness and detect any fluid accumulation.

Treatment

The treatment for ophthalmic stroke depends on the underlying cause and the extent of vision loss. In some cases, the blockage may resolve on its own, and vision may gradually improve. However, in many cases, permanent vision loss may occur.

Treatment options may include:.

– Medications: Medications such as antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants may be prescribed to prevent further blood clot formation.

– Intraocular pressure-lowering medications: These medications can help reduce pressure within the eye and improve blood flow.

– Laser therapy: Laser treatment may be used to open up blocked blood vessels or seal leaking blood vessels in the retina.

– Surgical intervention: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the retina.

Prevention

While ophthalmic strokes are not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

– Manage underlying health conditions: Control conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of ophthalmic stroke.

– Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking to promote overall cardiovascular health.

– Regular eye exams: Schedule regular eye exams to monitor the health of your eyes and detect any early signs of ophthalmic stroke.

– Follow medication regimens: If you are prescribed medication for a pre-existing condition, take them as directed and communicate any concerns or side effects to your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Ophthalmic stroke is a rare condition that can cause vision loss or other visual disturbances. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden vision loss or changes in your visual field.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help minimize the impact of ophthalmic stroke and preserve vision.