Stroke & Vision: Stroke-Related Vision Problems | American Stroke Awareness Month

---

​According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, over 790,000 people have a stroke each year. May is American Stroke Awareness Month and a good time to understand how a stroke can affect eye health and vision. 

There are two main types of strokes, including a hemorrhagic and an ischemic stroke. Both types of stroke cut off the oxygen supply to the brain.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. The blood accumulates and damages the brain tissue. An ischemic stroke develops when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Clots most commonly contain blood, but fatty deposits can also form a clot that blocks blood flow.
 ​

There is also a third type of stroke often referred to as a “mini-stroke,” which is called a transient ischemic attack or a TIA. A TIA also occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Blockage is only temporary, and blood flow returns to the brain without medical intervention. As blood flow is generally only reduced for a short time, there are usually no lasting effects. However, having a TIA may be a warning sign that you are at risk for a stroke.

Stroke Symptoms

Damage to the brain can start as soon as blood flow is reduced. To decrease the damage caused by a stroke, it is vital to get help as soon as symptoms of a stroke start. Symptoms of a stroke are the same in both a hemorrhagic and an ischemic stroke.
 
The American Heart Association has developed the following acronym, FAST, to help remember the signs of a stroke:

• F is for facial drooping, which may occur on one side of the face. The face may also feel numb.
• A is for arm weakness, which may develop in one arm. If one arm drifts downward when you raise your arms, it could be a sign of arm weakness.
• S is for slurred speech, another common stroke symptom.
• T is for time to call 911. If anyone experiences the symptoms above, it is essential to get immediate medical help.

 
Additional symptoms of a stroke that may or may not develop include:

• Severe headache
• Confusion
• Trouble walking
• Vision problems

​

How a Stroke May Affect Vision

The symptoms and effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is not receiving blood flow and oxygen. Visual issues may be present and prevalent after a stroke. As reported by the National Stroke Association, up to about 60 percent of people have vision changes after a stroke. 
 
Your ability to see requires healthy eyes and also a well-functioning visual processing center in the brain. The optical processing center allows you to interpret and process the images you see. If that part of the brain is damaged during a stroke, it can lead to vision changes.
 
Vision changes can be temporary or permanent, depending on the extent of the damage. There are several different vision problems that can occur. For example, visual processing issues may include problems with distance or depth perception. Vision field loss, including blind spots and / or peripheral vision loss, can also occur after a stroke.
 
Other eye issues can also develop from damage to the brain. For instance, the damage may interfere with the ability to blink, which can lead to dry eyes. If coordination of eye movements is affected, it might result in double vision.

Stroke Prevention Tips

Fortunately, there are ways you can decrease your risk of a stroke. Consider the following stroke prevention tips:

• Maintain a healthy blood pressure: Having high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for a stroke. Get your blood pressure checked regularly. If it is high, work with your doctor to develop a plan to lower it. A combination of dietary changes, medications, and lifestyle choices may help.
• Don’t smoke: If you smoke, you double your risk of an ischemic stroke. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, cigarette smoking is associated with a buildup of cholesterol in the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain.  
• Exercise: Inactivity increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes, both of which are risk factors for a stroke. Try to do some type of appropriate cardiovascular exercise for at least 30 minutes several times a week. If you have been inactive or in poor health, consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise regime.  
• Watch your cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, considered the bad cholesterol, can lead to a build-up in the blood vessels. The build-up of cholesterol can block blood flow to the brain, leading to a stroke. Talk to your doctor about how often you should have your cholesterol checked. The frequency may depend on your age and other risk factors. If your LDL is high, diet modifications and medication can help.

 
Thanks for reading our post. We are happy to answer any questions you have regarding stroke prevention. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.  
​​​