Silent Threat: Understanding and preventing Eye Stroke – A Growing Global Health concern
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Indonesia is facing a important public health challenge as an estimated 5 to 6 million people experiance visual impairment, with retinal diseases and “eye stroke” emerging as leading causes. This condition not only diminishes quality of life but also places a substantial social and economic burden on the nation. The Indonesian Ministry of Health has set an ambitious goal to reduce vision problems by 25% by 2030, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.
Retinal artery occlusion, an eye stroke occurs when blood flow to the retina – the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision – is blocked. According to information released by the Cleveland Clinic,this blockage is typically caused by a blood clot or plaque,depriving retinal cells of vital oxygen and potentially causing permanent damage within hours. This makes it a medical emergency, comparable in severity to a brain stroke, demanding immediate intervention to prevent irreversible vision loss.
Types and Recognizing the Symptoms of Eye Stroke
Eye strokes manifest in two primary forms:
- Central Retinal artery Occlusion (CRAO): this involves a blockage in the main artery supplying the retina, leading to sudden and extensive vision loss.
- Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO): This occurs when smaller arterial branches are blocked, resulting in visual disturbances in specific areas of the eye.
Crucially, the symptoms of an eye stroke are often painless, but vision can decrease suddenly. Individuals may experience blurred vision, dark shadows or blind spots in their field of vision, or even flashes of light. immediate medical attention is paramount if these symptoms arise, as time is of the essence in preserving sight.
who is at Risk?
The risk factors for eye stroke closely mirror those associated with brain stroke. These include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in blood vessels)
- Age over 60
Lifestyle factors such as smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can also considerably increase the risk of retinal blood vessel blockage.
Innovation and New Treatments on the Horizon
As the incidence of retinal diseases, including eye stroke, continues to rise, researchers and medical professionals are actively seeking innovative solutions. The Roche Retina Summit 2025, bringing together Indonesian and international experts, is dedicated to discussing the latest treatment breakthroughs.
Roche indonesia’s president director, Sanaa Sayagh, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving the quality of life for those with vision impairment.A key innovation being explored is Faricimab, a recently approved drug for treating Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) – also known as eye stroke – neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).
According to Elvioza, head of the Vitreo-Retina Service at JEC Eye Hospitals & clinics, the SALWEEN study demonstrated that Faricimab could eliminate polyps in retinal blood vessels in 61% of cases. “The study results show that Faricimab is able to reduce swelling of the retina and improve the patient’s vision,” he stated. Moreover, over 60% of patients treated with Faricimab may require treatment intervals of up to four months, lessening the burden of long-term therapy.
Ultimately, eye strokes often strike without warning, but proactive prevention is possible. Regular eye examinations, notably for individuals with existing risk factors, are essential. Maintaining healthy blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol through lifestyle modifications and medical management are vital steps in safeguarding eye health and preserving the precious gift of sight. As one expert noted, “Because when sight is lost, not only does the world appear dark, but also a person’s hope and independence.”
[Gambas:Video CNN]
