Stroke In Eye: Types, Causes, and Symptoms – Many people think that stroke occurs only in the brain. In fact, strokes can also attack the eyes. One of the causes of eye strokes is the blockage of the veins in the retina. There are several types of strokes that are common to attack the eye, and one of them is the central retina occlusion.
Just like a stroke in general, eye strokes are caused by blockages or rupture of blood vessels to the eyes. The condition makes the blood supply to the retina less, causing impaired vision, even blindness.
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Getting to know The common types of Stroke In Eye.
Based on the location of obstruction of blood vessels, eye strokes can be divided into several types, namely:
Central Retinal occlusion
This type of eye Stroke occurs due to the blockage of the main vein leading to the eye nerves. The condition causes the eye nerves to not obtain blood supply.
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)
This type of eye stroke occurs due to blockage of the main bloodstream, leading to the eye nerves. Consequently, the eye nerves become deficient in oxygen and nutritional intake.
Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
This type of eye stroke occurs when a blockage occurs in the blood flow back from the retina to the heart. The central retinal vein occlusion is more common than abnormalities in the retinal arteries.
Branch Retinal occlusion
This type of eye Stroke occurs when the blockage is only on one of the branches of blood vessels leading to the retina. The blockage causes some of the retina to suffer from blood and oxygen deficiency, resulting in sudden vision disturbances.
Branch Retinal arterial occlusion (BRAO).
This type of eye stroke is due to obstruction of one of the branch blood flow. As a result, visual impairment is partially, or only in one area (up / down / left / right).
Branch Retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).
Slightly different from other types of eye strokes, the majority of patients with this stroke are unaware of the experience.
The symptoms of a new visual impairment will be felt when the blockage occurs in the back vein that flow at the center of the Vision (macula).
Giant cell arteritis (GCA)
Other eye strokes are caused by giant cell arthritis (GCA). Giant cell arteritis is a condition in which the lining of the arteries experiences inflammation and swelling, thereby reducing the blood supply throughout the body. Although it can happen to the arteries in any part of the body, this condition is more common to the arteries in temples.
The three types of strokes that attack the eyes above need to be wary of. Especially if you suffer from diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, and glaucoma.
Causes of eye Stroke
Stroke in eye can be caused by the presence of blood clots formed in the retina, or from other organs that flow to the retina. In addition, this blockage can also occur when the plaque clogs the retinal veins.
Some certain diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease and blood disorder, may increase your risk of having eye strokes. Not only that, there are other factors that can also increase your risk of eye stroke, including:
- Aged over 40 years old.
- Active smo**ker.
- Using hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills.
- Have experienced eye injuries.
- Pregnancy.
- Suffering from kidney disease.
- Has a blood clotting disorder, such as sickle cell anemia.
- Narrowing of the blood vessels of the neck (carotid).
- Heart rhythm Disorders.
- Vasculitis, which is inflammation of the walls of blood vessels.
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What are the symptoms of eye stroke?
Symptoms may occur slowly for hours or days, or may occur suddenly. You need to note, strokes usually occur in one eye only. Here are some symptoms that may arise.
- Views such as dizziness, or white spots appearing on vision
- Pain or depression of the eye
- Blurred vision that continues to deteriorate in part or all of your vision
- Full vision losses can occur slowly or suddenly
Learn about: What Does A Stroke Feel Like? Here are 13 Symptoms, and When To See a Doctor
If you experience any of the above symptoms, immediately consult your doctor. Without a quick and precise treatment, stroke in eye can cause you to lose sight (blindness) permanently.
