COVID-19 and Eye Strokes

Since 2020, Dr. Andy Rosenfarb has seen a dramatic rise in eye stroke cases.
Where he once saw a handful each year, he now sees two to three cases every month.

Dr. Rosenfarb explains:

“COVID and even post-vaccine inflammatory stress have put incredible strain on the vascular system. We’re seeing more clotting, more hypoxia, and more strokes in the eyes than ever before.”

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Why COVID Increases Eye Stroke Risk

1. Blood Clotting (Hypercoagulability)
   COVID can cause abnormal clotting that blocks retinal arteries or veins.

2. Inflammation (Cytokine Storm)
   The immune system’s overreaction increases vascular damage.

3. Hypoxia (Low Oxygen)
   COVID reduces oxygen delivery, further stressing the retina and optic nerve.

4. Vaccine-Related Inflammation (Rare)
   In rare cases, vaccines have triggered clotting or inflammatory events in susceptible patients.

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Symptoms of COVID-Related Eye Strokes

• Sudden blurred or dim vision
• Flashes, floaters, or dark spots
• Partial loss of visual field
• Sudden total vision loss in one eye

These symptoms should always be treated as a medical emergency.

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Conventional Medicine’s Approach

For COVID-related eye strokes, treatment may include:

• Hospital evaluation and stabilization
• Blood thinners if clotting is confirmed
• Anti-VEGF or steroid injections for retinal swelling
• Laser therapy to close leaking vessels

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Holistic & Functional Treatments

At the Eye Health Institute, Dr. Rosenfarb uses integrative therapies to improve recovery:

Ophthalmic Acupuncture

Restores circulation and reduces vascular stress in the retina and optic nerve.

Alternating Current Microstimulation (ACS-3000)

Stimulates dormant or weakened cells to regain function.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Increases oxygen delivery to oxygen-starved tissues.

“Hyperbaric can make all the difference in post-COVID eye stroke recovery.”

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Supports mitochondrial repair and reduces oxidative damage.

Nutritional & Herbal Support

Anti-inflammatory herbs, antioxidants, enzymes, and omega-3s reduce clotting and vascular stress.

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Patient Story

One patient developed CRVO weeks after recovering from COVID. His ophthalmologist stabilized the eye but predicted little improvement. After combining acupuncture, microstimulation, and hyperbaric therapy, his swelling decreased, and his vision cleared enough to read again.

This reflects the power of combining functional care with conventional medicine.

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Prevention & Risk Reduction

• Monitor vascular health after COVID infection
• Manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
• Reduce inflammation with diet and lifestyle changes
• Avoid smoking
• Consider preventive strategies if you are high risk

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Next Steps

If you’ve had COVID and notice vision changes:

• Treat symptoms as urgent.
• Explore treatment modalities that can support recovery.
• Schedule a Telehealth consultation or an in-office intensive with Dr. Rosenfarb.

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