A university study shows certain types of retina problems are early signs of stroke.

Research scientists from the University of Sydney in Australia screened the eyes of 3,654 healthy adults for signs of high blood pressure. After seven years of screening, they discovered that patients with signs of hypertension in their eyes were three times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without hypertensive eye changes.

Ophthalmologists can screen hypertensive retinopathy patients and inform them of elevated risk of stroke

With the study results, the researchers confirmed that the ophthalmologist can screen hypertensive retinopathy patients and inform them of elevated risk of stroke.

Hypertensive retinopathy is a condition of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue on the back of the eye, where the blood vessels become fragile and rupture. The condition, if not monitored and treated, can lead to vision loss.

Dr. Deupree has always routinely checked and monitored his patients for any form of retinopathy changes. When appropriate, he works with the patient’s primary physician to manage ocular and systemic diseases.

Many retinopathy and vascular changes can be detected with fluorescein angiography, an intravenous dye test that involves the injection of a mild dye into an arm vein. This dye travels through the circulatory system to the eye. Once the dye arrives in the eye (about 10-15 seconds on average), the technician photographer captures a rapid series of photographs with a retina camera. Any leaking, swelling or circulation problems will be revealed in a high-resolution photograph. Read more about fluorescein angiography and fundus photography here.

ref: Prevention Magazine

See also:

Is CSR an early predictor of stroke?

Retinal artery occlusion