Heatwaves: The fierce heat raises the risk of many conditions. These include eye stroke, which could cause vision loss.
Delhi has been fighting extreme temperatures for many weeks. They’ve been over 50 degrees Celsius. In another part of the country, people are dying from heatwaves. This is due to dehumidification.
An eye stroke, also called an optical stroke, is a sudden vision loss. It happens because of a lack of blood to the front of the optic nerves. Doctors identify this condition as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION). It’s like a stroke in the brain. There, a clot or narrowed vessels impede blood flow. But, it happens in the eye. Blocked or narrowed blood vessels that supply the eyes are the main cause of an eye stroke.
This blockage can be due to:
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Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fat in the vessels.
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Embolism, a traveling blood clot.
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Giant cell arteritis, an inflamed artery condition.
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High blood pressure or diabetes.
An eye stroke is also known as an optical stroke. It refers to a sudden vision loss due to a lack of blood to the arteries in the front of the optic nerves. The symptoms of eye stroke include sudden, easy vision loss in one eye. The vision looks shadowed or darkened. There is a partial or complete loss of visual field. This is like seeing only the upper or lower half of what’s in front.
HOW DOES HEAT AFFECT EYE STROKE?
Heatwaves does not trigger eye strokes on its own. But, it can worsen conditions that raise the risk of an eye stroke. Being in extreme heat can dry out the blood. This makes it more likely to clot. Blood thickening can clog the small vessels in the eye. This can cause an eye stroke. Besides this, when the body loses fluids, the blood becomes further thickened. This higher density can slow blood inflow. It also makes clotting easier.
Clots can then travel to the eye and cause a blockage. The CDC says extreme heat stresses the heart. The body has to work harder to cool itself down, which can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. For people with heart problems, this strain can raise the risk of a stroke. Severe heatstroke can also cause systemic inflammation. It can damage blood vessels, including those supplying the eyes. This can increase the risk of blood clots forming and leading to an eye stroke.
WHAT ARE THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES?
To reduce the risk of eye stroke in summer, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, especially during peak hours. Track underlying health issues with precision in humid, sweltering conditions. Seek shade or air-conditioned surroundings when possible.
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