Eye Stroke (Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion)

Eye stroke, also known as Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO), occurs when the blood supply to a part of the retina is blocked, leading to a sudden loss of vision in the affected area. The retina is the part of the eye that sends visual information to the brain, and any interruption to its blood supply can cause irreversible damage. BRAO is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Causes and Risk Factors:

The most common cause of BRAO is a blood clot or atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels. Other causes include inflammation of the arteries, low blood pressure, and heart disease. BRAO is more common in people over 60 and those with a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.

Symptoms:

The most common symptom of BRAO is sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye, usually affecting a portion of the visual field. The vision loss can range from mild to severe, and it may be described as a "curtain" or "veil" obstructing part of the visual field. Other symptoms may include distorted or blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing fine details.

Prevention and Treatment:

The best way to prevent BRAO is to control underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can also help reduce the risk of developing BRAO.

Treatment for BRAO depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In some cases, the blockage may resolve on its own within a few weeks, but in other cases, treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss. Options for treatment include medications to dissolve blood clots, laser therapy to improve blood flow, and surgery in severe cases.

Oriental Medicine:

Traditional Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, has been used to treat various eye conditions for thousands of years. These therapies work by stimulating specific acupoints on the body to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific acupoints on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. Acupressure involves applying pressure to these same acupoints using the fingers, thumbs, or other tools. Both therapies can be used in combination with other treatments for BRAO, but their effectiveness for this specific condition has not been well-studied.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eye stroke or Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO) is a serious condition that can cause sudden, irreversible vision loss. Prevention is key, and controlling underlying risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can help reduce the risk of developing BRAO. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition and can include medications, laser therapy, and surgery. Traditional Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, may also be used in combination with other treatments but their effectiveness for BRAO is not well-established. If you experience sudden vision loss, seek medical attention immediately.

References :

• "Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion: An Updated Review" (2021): This article provides an updated review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include new diagnostic tools and treatment options.

• "Acupuncture for the treatment of acute branch retinal artery occlusion: a case report" (2020): This case report discusses the use of acupuncture in the treatment of acute branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include improvements in visual acuity and retinal blood flow after acupuncture treatment.

• "The Role of Massage Therapy in Ocular Diseases" (2021): This review article discusses the potential benefits of massage therapy in the treatment of ocular diseases, including branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include improved blood flow and reduced inflammation.

• "Acupressure for eye diseases" (2019): This review article discusses the use of acupressure in the treatment of various eye diseases, including branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include improvements in visual acuity and reduction in symptoms.

• "Herbal medicine for ocular diseases" (2020): This review article discusses the potential benefits of herbal medicine in the treatment of ocular diseases, including branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of certain herbs.

• "Yoga and eye health" (2019): This article discusses the potential benefits of yoga in maintaining eye health, including the prevention and treatment of ocular diseases such as branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include improved blood flow and reduced stress.

• "Traditional Chinese medicine and eye diseases" (2018): This review article discusses the use of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of various eye diseases, including branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include the use of acupuncture, herbs, and dietary modifications.

• "The effects of cupping therapy on ocular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2021): This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effects of cupping therapy on ocular diseases, including branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include improvements in visual acuity and reduced inflammation.

• "Aromatherapy for ocular diseases" (2019): This review article discusses the potential benefits of aromatherapy in the treatment of ocular diseases, including branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of certain essential oils.

• "Tai Chi and eye health" (2020): This article discusses the potential benefits of Tai Chi in maintaining eye health, including the prevention and treatment of ocular diseases such as branch retinal artery occlusion. Notable highlights include improved blood flow and reduced stress.