How to Identify a Stroke in the Eye

People above the age of 50 are at risk from suffering a stroke in the eye, especially diabetics and males who use male enhancement drugs such as Viagra. While not considered as life threatening as a cerebral stroke, a stroke in the eye can cause permanent vision loss and can indicate that a cerebral stroke or heart problems are likely in the future. Also known as retinal artery occlusion and ischemic optic neuropathy, a stroke in the eye can occur at a younger age, although it usually affects people over 50. Caused by blood flow problems to the back of the eye, this little-known type of stroke can be identified.

Things You'll Need

• Ophthalmologist
• Vascular specialist

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your ophthalmologist about changes in the blood vessels of your eyes. Most eye doctors offer a scan during a routine eye examination that can identify possible future problems. It's worthwhile to pay the extra few dollars so that your vision professional can chart changes in your eyes.

• 2

  Notice a sudden, painless loss of vision in one or both eyes. In rare cases, you might feel some pain.

• 3

  Be aware of foggy vision and loss of vision in parts of the eye.

• 4

  Clean glasses regularly, if you wear them, because some patients mistakenly think the vision loss is attributed to a smudge on their glasses.

• 5

  Recognize that eye strokes can happen while you're asleep, as well as when you're awake.

• 6

  Ask for a referral to a vascular specialist if you think you've suffered a stroke in the eye.