What Causes Eye Strokes?

An eye stroke happens when blood flow to the retina or optic nerve is blocked or disrupted. This can occur because of a clot, plaque, or vessel rupture. The result is oxygen deprivation that can quickly damage vision.

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb explains:

“Eye strokes are not random. They’re warning signs of underlying vascular issues — hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, stress. If we address those root causes, we can lower risk and support recovery.”

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Main Causes of Eye Strokes

1. Blocked Arteries (Ischemic Eye Strokes)

   • Clots or plaques break off and lodge in the retinal arteries.
   • Common in conditions like CRAO or BRAO.

2. Blocked Veins (Venous Eye Strokes)

   • Blood can’t drain, leading to swelling and hemorrhage.
   • Seen in CRVO and BRVO.

3. Optic Nerve Ischemia

   • Reduced circulation damages the optic nerve.
   • Includes NAION and AION.

4. Hemorrhagic Eye Strokes

   • A vessel ruptures, leaking blood into the retina or around the optic nerve.

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Major Risk Factors

Eye strokes share many of the same risk factors as heart attacks and brain strokes:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes and blood sugar instability
• High cholesterol and plaque buildup
• Carotid artery disease
• Smoking
• Sleep apnea
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• Chronic stress and inflammation

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COVID and Eye Stroke Risk

Dr. Rosenfarb has seen a rise in eye stroke cases since the COVID pandemic:

“Before COVID, I’d see two or three eye strokes a year. Now it’s two or three a month. COVID and even vaccines have triggered clotting, hypoxia, and inflammation that stress the vascular system.”:contentReference[oaicite:0]0

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Conventional Medicine’s Approach

• Emergency stabilization
• Blood thinners if clotting risk is present
• Anti-VEGF injections or steroids for swelling
• Laser therapy to close leaking vessels

While these can help, many patients are left with limited recovery options.

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Holistic & Functional Perspective

Dr. Rosenfarb integrates holistic ophthalmology to address root causes:

Acupuncture & Microstimulation

Improve circulation, oxygenation, and nerve repair.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Bypasses blocked vessels and floods tissues with oxygen.

Nutritional & Herbal Support

Enzymes (serrapeptase, nattokinase), omega-3s, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory herbs support vascular and nerve health.

Stress Management

Qigong, breathing exercises, and meditation reduce vascular strain.

“Mismanaged stress is behind 80% of chronic disease, including eye strokes.”

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Prevention Through Risk Factor Management

• Control blood pressure and blood sugar
• Reduce cholesterol and inflammation
• Quit smoking
• Manage sleep apnea
• Exercise regularly
• Prioritize stress reduction

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Next Steps

If you or a loved one has risk factors for eye stroke:

• Learn about prevention strategies.
• Explore natural treatment approaches.
• Consider a Telehealth consultation for personalized support.

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