An eye stroke, medically known as retinal artery occlusion or retinal vein occlusion, is a serious and often sudden condition that can cause partial or complete loss of vision.
Despite being far less discussed than heart attacks or brain strokes, medical experts warn that an eye stroke is equally alarming and may signal deeper, life-threatening vascular problems in the body.
In an exclusive interview conducted by the Chairman of PUFF and WWA, renowned Pakistani-American scientist and researcher Dr. Prof. Hafiz Baig revealed groundbreaking insights into eye stroke diagnosis, prevention, and its strong connection with heart and brain health.
According to Dr. Hafiz Baig, an eye stroke occurs when blood flow to the retina is blocked, either by a clot or narrowing of blood vessels. “The retina is part of the central nervous system. When it is deprived of oxygen, the damage can be rapid and irreversible, similar to what happens in a brain stroke,” he explained.
Medical experts compare eye stroke to a heart attack or brain stroke because the underlying cause is often the same: vascular disease. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and heart rhythm disorders significantly increase the risk.
Dr. Baig emphasized that an eye stroke should never be taken as an isolated eye problem but rather as a warning sign of possible future heart attacks or cerebral strokes.
During the interview, Dr. Hafiz Baig also shared details of his recent research in the United States, which focuses on early detection of microvascular damage using advanced imaging and AI-assisted diagnostics.
This work, described by experts as a major breakthrough, could help doctors identify patients at high risk before permanent vision loss or fatal cardiovascular events occur.
“Many patients ignore sudden vision changes, thinking they will resolve on their own,” Dr. Baig warned. “But sudden vision loss, blurred vision, or a dark shadow in one eye is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can sometimes save vision and even prevent a future heart or brain stroke.”
The Chairman of PUFF highlighted the importance of public awareness, noting that eye stroke cases are rising globally, particularly among younger patients due to lifestyle-related diseases.
The interview stressed the urgent need for routine eye exams, cardiovascular screening, and public education, especially in South Asian communities where stroke and heart disease rates are high.
This exclusive conversation sheds light on a medical condition that remains largely misunderstood by the public.
Experts believe that recognizing eye stroke as part of the broader stroke spectrum could save thousands of lives through early intervention.