Stroke-Induced Retinal Dysfunction: Mechanisms, Diagnostics, and Future Directions

Stroke has a profound effect on the retina's function, resulting in ischemia, nerve fiber thinning, microvascular issues, and breakdown of the blood-retina barrier. This leads to visual problems, including field defects, lower acuity, and damage to photoreceptors. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the historical milestones, diagnostic breakthroughs, and therapeutic approaches, with a particular focus on the retina as both a marker of and a target for addressing stroke-related dysfunction. Firstly, the retina is a non-invasive method for assessing cerebrovascular health, as it shares the same embryological origins and structural similarities with the brain. In addition, new imaging technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), have revolutionized the way we detect alterations in the retina and their relationship to brain diseases. These developments have shown strong connections between retinal changes and cerebral pathologies, opening up new frontiers in our understanding and management of stroke-related retinal issues. Furthermore, new treatments, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapy, along with collaboration between doctors in other fields, including ophthalmology, neurology, and rehabilitation, demonstrate the importance of providing each patient with the proper care. At last, translational research, which connects biological discoveries with therapeutic uses, shows promise for improving early diagnosis, rehabilitation procedures, and outcomes for people who have had a stroke. Together, these advances position the retina as a powerful platform for understanding stroke pathology and developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.