Eye stroke is a rare form of stroke that affects the optic nerve. It is caused by an obstruction in the blood vessels that supply blood to the eye and optic nerve, which causes a blockage in the flow of blood to these organs. The blockage in the optic nerve causes a partial or complete loss of vision. Stroke clinical trials say that the condition is most common among people over 50 years old, but it can also occur in younger adults.
Symptoms of eye stroke include:
- blurred vision;
- headaches;
- Nausea and vomiting, which may be severe;
- changes to the field of vision (such as tunnel vision or floaters);
- Sudden or complete blindness in one or both eyes;
- drooping eyelid on affected side;
- double vision (diplopia);
- Pain (often sharp and stabbing) in the eye that lasts for more than a few minutes, and;
- Difficulty seeing objects at close range, such as when reading text on a computer screen.
The causes of eye stroke include:
- high blood pressure (hypertension),
- diabetes
- smoking.
- Infectious ocular diseases (e.g., bacterial conjunctivitis)
- Environmental conditions
- Hemorrhage
- Exposure to harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents
The types of eye strokes are:
- Intraocular hemorrhage. This type of stroke occurs when blood leaks into the eyeball and can cause vision loss, retinal damage, and swelling of the eyelid. It is caused by a sudden increase in pressure in the eye, which leads to clots forming in the blood vessels that feed blood into the eye (intraocular arteries). Blood leaks out through these clots and forms a large mass called an I.O.H., or intraocular hemorrhage.
- Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). This occurs when an artery that supplies blood to the brain ruptures and leaks into one of its ventricles (the fluid-filled chambers inside your head). This can cause temporary blindness as well as long-term damage if not treated right away. Symptoms include sudden dizziness or nausea, followed by blurred vision and complete vision loss over several minutes or hours. IVH can also cause seizures or strokes if left untreated for too long.
- Retinal embolism. This occurs when a clot breaks loose from an artery and travels through the bloodstream to block circulation to your retina or optic nerve—causing damage to these parts of your eyesight. This can lead to blindness if left untreated. An R.E. can be treated with medications such as streptokinase or tissue plasminogen activator; however, if no treatment is administered within 24 hours of symptoms arising, permanent vision loss will occur unless medical attention is sought immediately afterward.
- Occlusion of the lacrimal gland. It occurs when a blockage forms in the ducts that drain tears from the eye to be swallowed by the body; this can cause irritation and swell in the eyes, leading them to close up temporarily until it clears up on its own (usually within a few weeks).
There are a few common after effects of an eye stroke illness, and they depend on the individual’s symptoms and overall health. Some common after effects include:
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
- Eye pain, redness, and swelling.
- A decreased senser blindness in one or both eyes.
- Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing due to paralysis of one or more facial muscles caused by a stroke.
- Difficulty controlling movements of the face, jaw, tongue, and other facial muscles.
- Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.
- Depression and anxiety related to the stroke experience.
- Increased risk for other medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes due to a weakened immune system after a stroke.
If you or a loved one has experienced an eye stroke, there are a few things you should do to ensure a quick and smooth recovery:
- Stay hydrated – Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost.
- Get rest – Lack of sleep can lead to increased inflammation and swelling, both of which can make stroke symptoms worse.
- Elevate your head – If you or a loved one have had an eye stroke, keep the head elevated as much as possible to avoid pressure on the brain.
- Avoid bright lights – Exposure to bright lights (such as those found in many workplaces) can trigger a relapse in people with eye strokes.
- Seek medical help right away – If you or a loved one experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Eye stroke can be a serious matter and should be treated as such. Vision impairment resulting from eye stroke is not easily recoverable; although there are many treatment options, the recovery period for a patient is slow and arduous. Therefore, taking care of your eyes and keeping them healthy is necessary. This article has given you all the information you need regarding eye stroke, its symptoms, and how to keep your eyes healthy. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have an eye stroke, it is important to check out. An ophthalmologist should be able to provide the necessary care and treatment for this condition.