- Researchers from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Fisher Clinical Research Institute, and Stanford University School of Medicine examined stroke risk after ischemic ocular events in 11,297 adults
- Within one year of the ocular event, 22.8% experienced ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), including 13.5% with ischemic stroke and 10.9% with transient ischemic attack.
- Risk was highest immediately after the eye event: 9.4% had stroke or TIA on the same day, with additional events occurring within the following week and month.
- Older age, carotid artery stenosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were among the factors associated with higher risk.
A new study from researchers at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Fisher Clinical Research Institute, and Stanford University School of Medicine found that ischemic ocular events may be important warning signs for stroke risk.
Published in Ophthalmology Retina, the study used Truveta Data to examine more than 11,000 adults with a first recorded ischemic ocular event, including retinal artery occlusion and amaurosis fugax. Retinal artery occlusion occurs when blood flow to the retina is blocked, while amaurosis fugax refers to temporary vision loss, often caused by reduced blood flow.
Study snapshot
Researchers used de-identified electronic health record (EHR) data from Truveta to study adults with a first recorded ischemic ocular event between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2024.
The analysis included 11,297 adults with a mean age of 69.7 years. Researchers evaluated whether patients had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within one year of the ocular event. They also examined when those events occurred and which clinical factors were associated with higher risk.
Stroke risk was highest immediately after the eye event
Nearly one in four patients had a stroke or TIA within one year of the eye event (22.8%). Risk was most immediate on the day of diagnosis, when 9.4% were diagnosed with stroke or TIA.
Additional events occurred soon after, with 3.2% of patients having a stroke or TIA within the next week, and an additional 3.2% within the first month.
What this study means for stroke evaluation and follow-up
These findings suggest that an ischemic ocular event may be an early warning sign of broader vascular disease, not just an isolated eye diagnosis. Because strokes and TIAs occurred both immediately and in the following days and weeks, the study reinforces the need for prompt stroke evaluation, continued follow-up, and risk-factor management after the initial event.
By analyzing more than 11,000 patients, researchers were also able to identify which patients may need closer monitoring. Older age, carotid artery stenosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were all associated with higher stroke or TIA risk, offering practical signals that may help clinicians prioritize follow-up and prevention efforts.
Read the full study
Stroke Risk after Ischemic Ocular Events: Insights from an Electronic Health Record Database, Ophthalmology Retina
