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You develop an ocular infarction when one or more arteries in the eye become blocked. Doctors also refer to an ocular infarction as an arterial occlusion. As a result, part of the retina is deprived of oxygen. Suddenly, your vision in one eye becomes blurred. An ocular infarction does not cause pain. The most common cause is a blood clot that originates in the heart or a blood vessel. Atherosclerosis often plays a role in this. The severity of vision loss depends on the location of the blocked artery. Damage to the center of the retina usually causes more problems than damage to the periphery.
An ophthalmologist makes the diagnosis by performing various tests. A commonly used test is fluorescein angiography. In this procedure, a contrast agent is injected into the blood vessels. Photos are then taken to assess blood flow in the retina. The cause of the blocked artery must be investigated. Preventing a second ocular infarction is, of course, important.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for retinal damage caused by oxygen deprivation. It is important to prevent another eye infarction. Leading a healthy lifestyle is crucial in this regard. If you have an eye thrombosis, the ophthalmologist will always refer you to the neurology department. About 30 percent of patients with an ocular infarction have also had a cerebral infarction without realizing it. The neurologist, possibly in consultation with a cardiologist, will assess the condition of your blood vessels.Depending on the results, medications such as blood pressure-lowering drugs and cholesterol-lowering pills may be prescribed to protect the blood vessels from further damage. Blood thinners may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of another blood vessel blockage.
The terms “ocular infarction” and “ocular thrombosis” are often used interchangeably. However, they do not mean the same thing.
In ocular thrombosis, a vein in the retina is blocked by a blood clot. This prevents blood from draining properly from the eye. As a result, vision may be impaired. The severity of vision loss varies from person to person. The chances of recovery are often better than with an ocular infarction.
In an ocular infarction, an artery supplying the retina becomes blocked. As a result, the retina does not receive enough oxygen. Vision usually deteriorates suddenly and severely. Prompt treatment is important, as the damage to the eye can be significant.
The main difference, then, is that in an ocular thrombosis, a vein becomes blocked, whereas in an ocular infarction, an artery becomes blocked. As a result, the symptoms and the chances of recovery are often different.
You can find more information about ocular thrombosis on the Thuisarts website.
The ophthalmologist continues to monitor patients with a blind eye during follow-up appointments to keep an eye on their intraocular pressure. If the intraocular pressure becomes too high, it can lead to a painful blind eye. The ophthalmologist also monitors the healthy eye.
Life can change dramatically after an eye stroke. You’ll likely be able to see with only one eye, and in some cases, you’ll receive an ocular prosthesis. You’ll face new challenges. On this website, you’ll find, among other things, tips for people who see with one eye, information about ocular prostheses and eye removal surgeries, and the mental challenges you may face.
Life after an eye stroke requires, above all, adaptation and patience. With the right information and support, you can continue to carry out your daily activities.
In our online library, you can read about other people’s experiences with an eye stroke. Be sure to check out this video featuring Fred, who suffered two eye strokes. Or join the WhatsApp group for people who have had an eye stroke in our WhatsApp Community.
In the event of an ocular infarction, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. An ophthalmologist at a regional hospital or a larger hospital can make the correct diagnosis and investigate the cause. An eye infarction can cause partial or complete blindness in the eye. By seeking treatment promptly, you may be able to limit very serious damage. So ask your primary care physician to refer you to an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, or go to the emergency room yourself.
Fred had two retinal infarcts. “What I find most frustrating about my eye stroke is that I can no longer do fine, detailed work as well as I used to, and I can no longer drive at night. I would recommend that people who are going through the same thing contact Bartiméus, because they can really help you with these kinds of problems.”
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There are glass and plastic ocular prostheses. What are the pros and cons of the different types? And where do you get these made?
What changes after an eye removal? How does that affect work or school, exercising, and driving, for example? How do you cope with fatigue and emotions?