---
title: What is an eye stroke?
description: "An eye stroke is a sudden loss of vision caused by blocked blood flow to the retina or optic nerve. ## What happens during an eye stroke When a blood vessel becomes blocked, the affected tissue is starved of oxygen.…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/what-is-an-eye-stroke/"
updated: "2025-12-31"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# What is an eye stroke?

An eye stroke is a sudden loss of vision caused by blocked blood flow to the retina or optic nerve.

## What happens during an eye stroke

When a blood vessel becomes blocked, the affected tissue is starved of oxygen. This can lead to permanent sight loss if not treated quickly, similar to a stroke in the brain.

- Vision loss is usually painless and often affects one eye
- Symptoms may include a dark curtain, patch, or sudden blur
- Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking increase risk
- Sometimes the event occurs on waking in the morning

## Immediate action is crucial

An eye stroke is a medical emergency that needs very rapid assessment. Fast treatment may protect some vision and also reduces the risk of a future brain stroke.

- Seek emergency hospital care immediately if vision suddenly fails
- Specialists may organise scans of the eyes, neck arteries, and heart
- Blood-thinning medicines and risk-factor control are often started
- Long-term follow-up focuses on protecting both sight and overall health