When we hear the word stroke, we typically think of a stroke in the brain. What you may not know, is that strokes can happen to the eye as well. An eye stroke, or retinal artery occlusion, is a serious medical problem that should be addressed quickly. Eye strokes can quickly lead to sudden vision loss and, in some cases, permanent visual loss!
This blog is here to explain to you the most common signs of eye strokes, how they can correlate to other degenerative diseases, and what things you should never ignore.
Common Eye Stroke Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Recognizing eye stroke symptoms early is crucial. Here are some warning signs:
- Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye
- Blurry or distorted vision that seems to appear out of nowhere
- Dark spots, or floaters in your line of vision
- Shadow or curtain like effect falling over your head
- Difficulty focusing and/or recognizing faces and letters
- Complete loss of side vision in one eye
Even if these symptoms go away within minutes or hours, it’s essential to seek immediate medical help. Delayed treatment can lead to permanent damage.
Connection Between Neurological Disorders and Vision Changes
Occasionally, neurological diseases (like multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or Parkinson’s Disease) may also change your vision. In these cases vision may change in the following way:
- Optic neuritis – an inflammation of the optic nerve that is often due to MS
- Visual field loss- often due to a stroke or injury to the brain
- Eye coordination/tracking difficulty - this is often seen in people with Parkinson's Disease and other movement-based disorders
- Hallucinations or double vision - this can happen in some neurodegenerative diseases
If you live with a neurological disorder, regular eye examinations are just as important as appointments with your neurologist.
Who Is at Risk for Eye Stroke?
You might be at higher risk if you have:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Smoking history
- A previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
How is an Eye Stroke Diagnosed?
Doctors usually perform:
- Retinal imaging and fundus photography
- Fluorescein angiography (to track blood flow in the retina)
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT scan)
- Blood tests to check for underlying risk factors
- Neurological exams if vision changes are linked to brain activity
Treatment Options for Eye Stroke
While full vision recovery isn’t always possible, early intervention improves the chances of preserving sight. Treatment may include:
- Medications to dissolve clots or reduce eye pressure
- Oxygen therapy
- Managing underlying conditions like hypertension or diabetes
- Neurology referrals if the cause is brain-related
What You Should Remember
To protect your vision and overall brain health:
- Watch for sudden vision changes especially eye stroke symptoms like blurry vision or dark shadows
- Don’t delay seeing a specialist – even temporary vision loss is a red flag
- If you have a neurological disorder, make vision care part of your treatment plan
- Manage chronic conditions that raise your stroke risk
- Get regular eye exams, especially after age 40
Your vision is your window to the world, don't hesitate to protect it at the right moment!
If you or your loved ones have recently experienced any symptoms of an eye stroke, or changes to their vision that are associated with neurological changes, do not delay.
Book a consultation with the experts at The Eye Foundation today!"
