Table of contents:
- Recognize the types and types of eye strokes
- 1. Central retinal artery occlusion
- 2. Branch retinal artery occlusion
- 3. Central retinal vein occlusion
- 4. Branch retinal vein occlusion
- Routinely check the eyes to the doctor
You may have heard about strokes many times. But it turns out that apart from the brain, a stroke can also attack the eye. This condition is called an eye stroke. Eye strokes occur due to blockages in blood vessels leading to the eye nerves and those from the eye nerves. There are several types of eye stroke itself. What are the most common types of eye stroke?
Recognize the types and types of eye strokes
Depending on the type of eye stroke you are experiencing, the symptoms and how to treat it may be different. Here are 4 types of eye strokes you need to know:
1. Central retinal artery occlusion
This type of eye stroke occurs as a result blockage in the main bloodstream which leads to the nerves of the eye. As a result, the nerves in the eye are deprived of oxygen and nutritional intake.
Symptoms that are felt are generally in the form of a general decrease in vision Decreased ability to see occurs in one eye suddenly, without redness or pain.
Several factors increase the risk of central retinal artery occlusion, including:
- High blood pressure
- History of stroke
- Smoke
- Obesity
In this type of eye stroke, treatment must be done quickly in less than 24 hours. Prompt treatment can reduce the possibility of permanent nerve damage that can lead to blindness.
Handling can be done by using oral drugs, drops, surgery, or a combination of the three.
2. Branch retinal artery occlusion
This type of eye stroke occurs because blockage in one of the branches of the bloodstream. As a result, visual disturbances are partial, or only in one area (top / bottom / left / right).
The tests that can be done for this type of eye stroke include a complete blood count, blood sugar test, and heart function to look for possible causes of the blockage.
Treatment for this type of eye stroke is not as aggressive as for central retinal artery occlusion. Treatment is usually more aimed at preventing recurrence of symptoms at a later date.
3. Central retinal vein occlusion
This type of eye stroke occurs when blockage occurs in the return of blood from the retina to the heart. Central retinal vein occlusion is more common than abnormalities of the retinal artery.
Central retinal vein occlusion eye stroke consists of 2 types, namely:
- Ischemic, if the blockage occurs completely
- Non-ischemic, if the blockage occurs only partially
Symptoms that arise can include a sudden decrease in vision or a decrease in vision that occurs slowly.
Some additional conditions that can increase a person's risk of developing central retinal vein occlusion include:
- History of glaucoma
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Use of diuretic drugs
Treatment for eye stroke is done using a laser or injection in the eye to reduce the chance of complications.
4. Branch retinal vein occlusion
Slightly different from other types of eye stroke, most eye stroke sufferers are not aware of having it.
Symptoms of decreased vision will only be felt when a blockage occurs in the veins that drain the center of vision (macula).
More than 70% of sufferers of this type of eye stroke have a history of high blood pressure first. Treatment usually aims to control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and prevent complications.
Routinely check the eyes to the doctor
Having the above symptoms does not mean you will have an eye stroke. However, if you are in doubt and worried about certain symptoms you are experiencing, consult a doctor.
Early consultation can help to prevent the condition from getting worse. Like strokes in the brain, strokes in the eye must also be treated quickly to avoid permanent visual disturbances.
