What Is An Eye Stroke: Know About Its Causes, Symptoms, Prevention Methods Amid Hot Weather Conditions
A health condition that requires immediate medical attention to protect eyesight, one has to be particularly careful in extreme-heat conditions to prevent an eye stroke.
VERIFIED By: Dr Rohan N Dedhia, senior consulting ophthalmologist; retina, cataract and refractive surgeon at Ojas Maxivision Eye Hospitals (Bandra and Kandivali)
Written by Prerna Mittra |Updated : April 14, 2025 6:26 PM IST
Everything to know about an eye stroke: Also known as an retinal artery occlusion, an eye stroke is a dangerous thing to happen to a person, requiring immediate medical attention to alleviate symptoms and reduce long-term damage to the eyes. An eye stroke happens when the blood flow to the retina is suddenly blocked, leading to vision loss. A serious medical emergency — just like a brain stroke — it can cause permanent damage to eyesight if not treated quickly, warns Dr Rohan N Dedhia, senior consulting ophthalmologist; retina, cataract and refractive surgeon at Ojas Maxivision Eye Hospitals (Bandra and Kandivali).
What Causes An Eye Stroke?
According to the doctor, causes of an eye stroke are often linked to blood circulation problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or blood clotting disorders. During extreme heat conditions or heatstroke, however, the risk increases, says the doctor, who goes on to explain: “Heatstroke leads to dehydration and thickening of the blood, which can promote clot formation and reduce oxygen delivery to the retina. The heat-induced stress on the cardiovascular system can also trigger conditions that contribute to a retinal artery blockage.”
Symptoms Of An Eye Stroke
The symptoms of an eye stroke usually appear suddenly, the expert states, and may include:
- Painless vision loss in one eye;
- Blurred or distorted vision;
- A shadow or dark area in the field of vision.
“In some cases, temporary episodes of vision loss may occur before a full blockage happens,” Dr Rohan says.
How To Prevent An Eye Stroke
To prevent an eye stroke during heatstroke, the doctor says that it is essential to do the following things:
- Manage your body temperature and maintain proper hydration;
- Drink plenty of water;
- Avoid excessive sun exposure;
- Stay in cool environments when temperatures rise;
- Wear sunglasses and a hat to reduce strain on the eyes;
- People with existing health conditions should monitor their cardiovascular health closely during hot weather conditions;
- Consume a balanced diet;
- Avoid smoking;
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels to lower the overall risk of eye strokes.
“Early recognition of heatstroke symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or headache, followed by prompt cooling and rehydration, may also reduce the risk of heat-related complications, including eye strokes,” the doctor concludes.
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