Ischemic Eye Pain or Ocular Ischemic Syndrome is a rare medical condition caused by ocular hypoperfusion or lack of blood flow to the eye due to stenosis or occlusion of the common or internal carotid arteries. The primary symptoms include vision loss, light-induced transient vision loss, and ischemic ocular pain. Amaurosis fugax is a form of acute visual loss caused by reduced or lack of blood flow to the eye; this can be a warning sign of an impending stroke.

Ischemic Eye Pain or Ocular Ischemic Syndrome is twice more common in males than females. It generally occurs between age of 50 to 80 years.

• Bilateral or Unilateral
• Carotid artery occlusion – most common.
• Internal carotid artery
• Common carotid artery
• Retinal arterial occlusion.
• Anterior segment ischemic syndrome.
• Giant cell arteritis.
• Ophthalmic artery occlusion.
• Takayasu’s arteritis

Ninety percent of ischemic eye diseases are associated with vision loss. The common cause of ischemia is lack of blood flow or hypoperfusion secondary to occlusion of carotid artery. Hypoperfusion can occur secondary to block of arteries or rupture of small branches. Ocular and retinal arterial bleeding is often observed with history of diabetes and hypertension. Regular eye examination with an ophthalmologist is important for good vision. The carotid arteries are located in your neck and are these are the main arteries that supply blood to the eyes and brain.

Thromboembolism of ocular blood vessels often results in ocular ischemic syndrome. Thromboembolism is often observed with history of carotid artery occlusion secondary to thrombosis of common carotid artery. An early diagnosis is extremely important to prevent rapid increase of intraocular pressure.

The following are the systemic treatments for Ischemic Eyeball Pain or Ocular Ischemic Syndrome:

• Analgesics.
• Diuretics- Acetazolamide I.V. 500 mg.
• Thrombolytic Therapy.
• Antiplatelet Therapy.
• Treatment of Diabetes and Hypertension.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.