Eye Stroke:

What Every Optometrist Needs to Know

 
Sudden vision loss in one eye may be a sign of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO), also known as eye stroke. Like a stroke in the brain, it is a medical emergency and must be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible to prevent irreversible loss of vision. Treatment must be administered as soon as possible, at most 6 – 12 hours, to prevent irreversible vision loss.

The Department of Ophthalmology at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) has developed an eye stroke protocol to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment of eye stroke.

Anyone experiencing sudden painless vision loss or severe blurring in one eye should go to Mount Sinai Emergency Room. Trained staff are available 24/7 to make a rapid diagnosis and begin treatment immediately to save the patient's sight.

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