An eye stroke, or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, is a dangerous and potentially debilitating condition that occurs from a lack of sufficient blood flow to the tissues located in the front part of the optic nerve.

How serious is a stroke in the eye?

An eye stroke, or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, is a dangerous and potentially debilitating condition that occurs from a lack of sufficient blood flow to the tissues located in the front part of the optic nerve.

Can you recover from an eye stroke?

You can recover from an eye stroke, but there can be serious complications such as: Macular edema, or inflammation of the macula. The macula is the middle part of the retina that helps with sharpness of vision. Macular swelling can blur your vision or lead to vision loss.

What are the signs of a stroke in your eye?

Like a stroke in the brain, this happens when blood flow is blocked in the retina, a thin layer of tissue in the eye that helps you see. It can cause blurry vision and even blindness. Arteries carry blood to the retina from the heart. Without blood flow, the cells in the retina don’t get enough oxygen.

Can an eye stroke lead to a brain stroke?

Assessing Stroke Risk and Coronary Artery Disease Risk An eye stroke can increase your risk of brain stroke, and vice versa. A vascular neurologist — a neurologist who specializes in stroke care — will evaluate your risk factors for a future stroke.

How long does it take to recover from an eye stroke?

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Vision Back After a Stroke? Generally speaking, some survivors see small improvements in their vision within three months after stroke. Furthermore, immediately after a stroke, spontaneous recovery is likely to occur.

What causes a eye stroke?

A stroke in the eye can be caused by many factors and will often have more than one factor contribute to the vein occlusion. Common causes of a stroke in the eye include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, medications, smoking, age, and inflammatory diseases, among others.

Is eye stroke an emergency?

An eye stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent attention. If you or a loved one are experiencing sudden, painless vision change or vision loss in one eye, seek immediate care.