The hidden risk of vision impairment disguised as stroke symptoms

What's the freakin' deal with eye strokes?

Let's cut to the chase: on March 8, 2021, the American Heart Association raised a red flag about central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) — a rare, aggravating type of stroke that zaps your eye's sight. Dr. Brian Mac Grory, a neurologist at Duke University School of Medicine, warns, "CRAO is a cardiovascular problem masquerading as an eye problem."

"It's less common than brain strokes," says Mac Grory, "but it's a critical sign of ill health and should be treated pronto to prevent future stroke or heart issues."

Peak Krill Oil

Boost heart health, immunity, and moods naturally!

Ride the Wave⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

"Sponsored"

How an eye stroke unfolds

When the central retinal artery gets blocked, the flow of blood to the retina slows or stops, causing a CRAO, or "eye stroke." Typically, the blockage comes from a venomous blood clot that can form within the retina or migrate there from another part of the body. Sometimes, the blockage happens after a lump of fatty plaque blocks the artery.

Those who have conditions affecting their blood vessels, like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease, might be more susceptible to an eye stroke.

Additional risk factors include:

Turning forty: Age ain't nothin' but a number, but it becomes a risk factor when it reaches 40.
Being a dude: Sadly, guys got it rougher in this department.
Puffin' away: Smoking just amplifies the danger.
Trauma to the eye: Ouch! Having your peepers whacked hurts your chances of a healthy vision.
Radiation treatments: If you're undergoing radiation therapy, you've got to be extra mindful of your eye health.
Kidney disease: This condition complicates your eye health.
Clotting disorders: Sickle cell disease and other clotting disorders can make you more prone to a CRAO.
Birth control pills: Some pills increase your susceptibility.
Carotid artery disease: Not fun, but it's a risk factor you need to watch out for.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Stuff like atrial fibrillation can put you at higher risk.
Vasculitis: An inflammation of blood vessels can lead to CRAO.
Pregnancy: Preggos, be on guard! Pregnancy increases your odds, y'hear?

Peak Blood Flow

Keep blood flowin' to heart, brain, lungs, eyes, and extremities!

Ride the Wave⟨www.PeakNatural.com⟩

"Sponsored"

When an eye stroke feels a-comin'

An eye stroke generally doesn't hurt one bit, occurs mostly in a singular eye, and is represented by a sudden alteration in vision. Should a smaller, peripheral artery get blocked, you may experience blurry or distorted vision or even loss of peripheral vision. However, if a central retinal artery occlusion arises, the overall vision becomes cripplingly limited, and you might have just enough sight to detect hand movements — not much more.

Treatment: Every minute counts

Immediate medical attention is crucial when it comes to saving your vision from total obliteration. Since CRAOs can signal subsequent brain strokes, rapid intervention is paramount to restrain damage and potentially hinder future occasions.

Research suggests that certain "clot-busting" medications employed for treating brain strokes may prove effective in treating CRAOs, but only if administered within 4.5 hours after the onset of signs and symptoms.

"CRAOs demand swift evaluation and treatment," warns Dr. Mac Grory of Duke. "So, if a person's diagnosed in a doctor's office or outpatient clinic, they darn well better be sent straight to a hospital emergency department."

Lower your risk

Although complete prevention isn't feasible, you can take steps to reduce your likelihood of experiencing an eye stroke.

Manage your diabetes: Keep your blood sugar levels within the optimal range suggested by your doctor.
Treat your glaucoma: Medication can keep the pressure within your eye under control.
Check your blood pressure: High blood pressure bumps up the risk of all types of stroke. Embrace lifestyle changes and consider medication if necessary.
Monitor cholesterol: If it's too high, engaging in exercise and dietary adjustments might help. Medication is always an option if needed.
Kick that smoking habit: It worsens your chances across the board.

In the realm of health and wellness, many chronic diseases, including central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), are closely linked to cardiovascular health.
Science has shown that certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, can significantly increase the risk of developing CRAO.
Champions for workplace-wellness often emphasize the importance of nutrition in maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing chronic diseases like CRAO.
In addition to managing medical conditions, fitness and exercise play a crucial role in reducing the risk of CRAO, as well as other chronic diseases like cancer.
Mental health is also relevant in this context, as stress and anxiety can exacerbate conditions like high blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of CRAO.
Skin-care is another aspect of health and wellness that is often overlooked, but it too can impact cardiovascular health and the risk of CRAO, as certain skin conditions can be indicative of underlying health issues.
Therapies and treatments, such as medication and surgery, are often necessary in addressing chronic diseases and conditions that increase the risk of CRAO.
European leagues, like the Premier League, can contribute to health and wellness by promoting fitness and exercise among their players, thereby potentially reducing the risk of CRAO and other chronic diseases.
In the world of sports, football players and other athletes are encouraged to prioritize their eye health, given the potential link between eye strokes and cardiovascular health.
Caring for one's health involves addressing multiple aspects, from heart health and mental health to skin care and fitness, all with the goal of reducing the risk of chronic diseases like CRAO and promoting overall well-being.