Diabetes and Eye Strokes
Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for eye strokes.
Chronic blood sugar instability damages blood vessels throughout the body, including the tiny vessels in the retina and optic nerve. Over time, this raises the risk of both retinal occlusions and optic nerve strokes.
Dr. Andy Rosenfarb explains:
“Diabetics are very prone to eye strokes. Every spike and crash in blood sugar stresses the blood vessels. Over years, this makes them fragile and more likely to bleed or clot.”
Why Diabetes Increases Eye Stroke Risk
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Microvascular Damage
- High blood sugar injures the walls of small blood vessels.
- Leads to leaks, swelling, and eventually blockages.
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Increased Inflammation
- Diabetes fuels oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
- This accelerates vascular degeneration.
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Higher Risk of Clotting
- Unstable blood sugar and lipid profiles raise the chance of clots forming in retinal arteries or veins.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Sudden blurred vision
- Partial vision loss or blind spots
- Flashes or floaters
- Dimming of vision, especially in one eye
These can signal an eye stroke or diabetic retinopathy event and require immediate evaluation.
Conventional Medicine’s Approach
In diabetic patients, eye strokes are managed with:
- Blood thinners if clotting is suspected
- Injections (anti-VEGF or steroids) to control swelling
- Laser therapy to seal leaking vessels
- Strict control of blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure
While these can help, they often don’t restore lost vision.
Holistic & Functional Treatments
Dr. Rosenfarb offers proactive therapies to support recovery and reduce recurrence:
Ophthalmic Acupuncture
Restores blood flow and supports nerve health in diabetic eyes.
Alternating Current Microstimulation (ACS-3000)
Stimulates damaged cells and helps reactivate dormant ones.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Supplies oxygen directly to oxygen-starved retinal tissue.
“Hyperbaric is one of the most effective tools we have for diabetic eye strokes.”
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function.
Nutritional & Herbal Support
- Enzymes (serrapeptase, nattokinase) to reduce clotting
- Omega-3 DHA for nerve repair
- Antioxidants like glutathione and lutein
- Herbal formulas to calm inflammation and stabilize blood sugar
Patient Story
A 62-year-old diabetic woman experienced sudden vision loss in her left eye. Her retina specialist told her to “wait and see.” At the Eye Health Institute, she began acupuncture, microstimulation, and supplements. Within three months, her vision improved enough to resume reading and cooking independently.
This case shows that recovery is possible even in high-risk diabetic patients.
Prevention for Diabetic Patients
- Keep blood sugar tightly controlled
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
- Exercise and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Use preventive strategies to reduce stroke risk
Next Steps
If you have diabetes and notice sudden changes in vision:
- Treat it as an emergency.
- Learn about natural treatment options.
- Schedule a Telehealth consultation for a personalized recovery plan.