Stroke

Stroke is a primary cause of death and debilitation in the United States. There is both a geographical and race distribution throughout the country. A major health initiative over the next few years is to further reduce the incidence of stroke, especially in the STROKE BELT. There are several "eye signs" of impending stroke including transient monocular blindness, retinal vascular occlusive diseases, ischemic retinal syndromes, visual field defects and retinal emboli. Optometrists can serve as a first line of defense in the death and debilitation from stroke by the recognition of the "eye signs" associated with the most common variant of stroke--the thromboembolism. The primary care provider must also provide recommendations regarding the proper consultation to avert a total stroke.