Eye Stroke (Retinal Vascular Occlusion): What You Need to Know

Just like every other organ in the body, the eye depends on a constant flow of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. It contains nerves and delicate tissues that send signals to the brain to form visual images. One of the most important of these tissues is the retina, located at the back of the eye.  

The retina plays a critical role in transmitting visual signals to the brain and contains small and large arteries and veins that carry blood to and from the heart. This blood supply is essential for vision.  

When blood vessels in the retina become blocked, vision can be permanently affected and may lead to blindness. An eye stroke, also known as retinal artery occlusion, occurs when a blood clot or narrowing of the retinal blood vessels blocks blood flow. As a result, blood flow to the retina is interrupted. If not treated promptly, this can cause permanent retinal damage and vision loss.

What Is an Eye Stroke?

During an eye stroke, the retinal veins or arteries stop working as they should because they become blocked by a blood clot or by narrowing of the blood vessels. This reduces or completely cuts off the blood supply to the retina in the affected eye.  

Blood and fluid may then leak into the retina, causing swelling. The retina and the person’s vision can be damaged very quickly.

There are several different types of eye stroke, depending on which blood vessels are involved:

Am I at Risk of an Eye Stroke?

Some people are more likely than others to develop an eye stroke. The risk factors are similar to those for a typical (brain) stroke. People with a personal or family history of the following conditions may be at higher risk:

Ophthalmology studies suggest that people in their sixties may be at the greatest risk of an eye stroke, especially men.

Symptoms of an Eye Stroke

Eye strokes are usually painless. A sudden change in vision or sudden vision loss in one eye is often the first sign. Vision loss may affect the entire eye or only part of the visual field.  

Some people lose only their peripheral (side) vision, while others notice blind spots or “floaters.” Vision may also become blurry or distorted. In some cases, the visual changes start off mild and gradually worsen over several hours or days.

Strokes that affect blood flow to the brain can also cause sudden vision loss or visual changes. For this reason, any sudden change in vision requires emergency medical attention.  

The longer any type of stroke is left untreated, the higher the risk of permanent damage to the affected tissues. You should visit the Eye Center at Al-Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah as soon as possible to receive appropriate treatment before it is too late.

Diagnosis

Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency. To diagnose an eye stroke, doctors may need to perform tests that allow them to examine the retina. These may include:

These tests are painless and are performed by an ophthalmologist at Al-Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah.

Treatment

Treatment for an eye stroke should be started as soon as possible to help limit damage to the retina. Treatment options may include:

Patients may also need long-term follow-up care to manage heart disease or vascular problems that may have contributed to the eye stroke.

Prevention

Screening for heart and vascular disease is an essential part of preventing an eye stroke. This may include regular checks of cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as well as discussing other cardiovascular risk factors such as family history, diet, and lifestyle.  

Risk factors for heart disease also play a major role in the risk of retinal blood clots. In many patients, high blood cholesterol is a key factor.  

In general, to keep blood vessels healthy and help prevent strokes, people should:

Conclusion

Long-term outlook for people who have had an eye stroke can vary greatly. It depends on how severe the stroke was, how quickly and effectively it was treated, and which arteries or veins were affected.  

Living a heart-healthy lifestyle not only benefits the heart but also improves overall health and reduces the risk of problems such as eye stroke and vision loss.  

For comprehensive care and high-quality ophthalmology services, you should visit Al-Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah, where patients are treated by some of the best eye specialists. Each ophthalmologist at the center has a strong track record of successful outcomes.