What is an eye stroke and what can cause one?
The term ‘eye stroke’ may be used to describe a few different eye conditions, including retinal vessel occlusion or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
The risk factors of developing one of these conditions is similar to the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases are diseases of the heart or blood vessels. Factors which increase your risk include:
- age – most retinal vessel occlusions happen in people over 60
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- high cholesterol levels
- blood clotting disorders
- glaucoma or raised intraocular (eye) pressure
- diabetes
- smoking
- obesity.
