Eye stroke in quadragenarians: Identifying symptoms before it’s too late

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By Chetana Belagere

Jun 09, 2024

Dr Depika MP, Retina, Cataract, UVEA specialist at Sankara Eye Hospital in Hyderabad explained that eye stroke occurs when there is a blockage in the blood supply to the retina.

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“The retina, located at the back of the eye, is crucial for converting light into neural signals, sending it to the brain and hence allowing us to see,” she explained.

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Dr Depika said the main risk factors for developing eye strokes are diabetes, hypertension, excessive cholesterol in the blood, smoking and old age.

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Dr Veerabhadra explained that he sees an increase in patients around 40 years of age who have blocked veins in their eyes caused by high blood pressure.

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He explained that, “a blockage in the main artery of the eye is usually due to a small clot, fat, or calcium piece that travels from the heart or large blood vessels.”

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Doctors explain that regular health checkups — at least yearly once after 40 years will help to prevent this complication as this can diagnose systemic diseases early.

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“Avoid smoking, stay hydrated, strict diabetes and hypertension control, treatment for high cholesterol, and regular physician and cardiologist checkups can prevent eye strokes.”

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“Also, remember when symptoms of eye stroke occur immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist will prevent vision loss,” explained Dr Depika.

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