Millions of people die or suffer permanent disabilities each year due to stroke. It is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms of stroke, which is among the health problems for which early intervention is most important. A sudden stop in blood flow to the brain can occur in one of several ways, depending on which part of the organ is affected. Sometimes the blood flow to the eye is cut off, causing eye paralysis. While the condition can be treated if diagnosed early, it could be a sign of a more serious stroke.
GIVES EARLY WARNING
There is increasing evidence that early damage to the small blood vessels leading to the eyes can predict impending cardiovascular disease. Sometimes these blockages cause sudden changes in vision such as blurriness, dark areas or shadows. “Ocular (eye) strokes can be a precursor to a more serious stroke,” warns Harvard Health.
IF THE TREATMENT IS DELAYED, THE PROBLEM IS BIG
When an eye stroke occurs, it almost always happens in just one of the eyes. Fortunately, vision returns 80 percent of the time when there is a less serious blockage in the smaller arteries. However, the situation remains dangerous, as the lack of blood flow to the tissues located in the anterior part of the optic nerve can have serious consequences for vision if treatment is delayed.
LOSS OF VISION IS EXPERIENCED IN A SINGLE EYE
The optic nerve transmits signals to the brain and carries millions of nerve fibers and blood vessels. When completely cut off from the supply of nutrients and oxygen, nerve tissue is damaged, which can lead to vision loss. The Penn University website states: “People with eye paralysis are often given little warning. Most people with eye paralysis find that they have vision loss in one eye when they wake up in the morning without pain. Some people have a dark area in their vision that affects the upper or lower half of their visual field. Or the shadow will notice.”
SOME PEOPLE ARE AT MUCH HIGHER RISK
The health agency adds: “Other symptoms include loss of visual contrast and light sensitivity.” Penn Medicine explains that some people may have a higher risk of developing this condition because of their disc shape. This is because nerve fibers going to the brain and going down the optic nerve must enter the eye through a hole known as the optic foramen. If a person’s aperture is smaller than average, this can cause crowding of the optic nerves. The health organization adds, “Although the relationship is not well understood, people with significant cardiovascular disease who also take Viagra medication are at greater risk for the disease.”