This disease is usually caused by poorly controlled arterial hypertension, although on some occasions it is manifested by genetic factors, causing sudden loss of vision and other eye problems, says Dr. Verónica Talavera, ophthalmologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma. Additionally, she explains that ocular infarction occurs when a clot or embolus detaches itself from the heart chambers and travels through the bloodstream to the ophthalmic artery, totally or partially preventing the passage of blood into the retina, thus obstructing the central artery of the same. In relation to this, our leading specialist gives us more details about this pathology:

Symptoms

• Sudden loss of vision in one eye
• Visualization of spots or species of ‘spiders’ that move everywhere
• Decreased vision (only sees half of the visual field)
• Severe headache with visual disturbances
• Redness of the eyes
• Photophobia or eye bleeds for no apparent reason

Diagnosis

To make a prompt diagnosis, the specialist must perform a fundus examination, optical coherence tomography, fundus photography and angiofluoresceinography, in addition to a cardiovascular evaluation.

Types of eye strokes and treatments

• Ischemic optic neuropathy: treated with corticosteroids and vision may return after a few weeks, although somewhat limited
• Central retinal vein thrombosis: treatment depends on the complications that occur and they usually recur several times. Some vision is preserved

Complications

• Permanent vision loss
• Neovascularization (formation of new abnormal vessels) of the retina or iris, causing secondary glaucoma. This occurs 20% of the time after a few weeks of vein obstruction.
• Intravitreal hemorrhage, due to abnormal vessels formed in the retina

It should be noted that the risk of suffering a stroke increases after the first weeks of suffering an eye stroke. Therefore, to prevent eye stroke it is important to take care of cardiovascular health by having a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking.

If the patient has sudden loss of sight, he/she should go to the ophthalmologist for emergency treatment to receive adequate treatment, in order to regain vision as far as possible. Otherwise, it can have serious and irreversible consequences.

Dr. Verónica Talavera
Ophthalmologist de la Clínica Ricardo Palma