Stroke and visual loss

Visual loss secondary to stroke results in significant disability. This review covers the mechanisms of visual pathway ischemia, as well as the current evidence for acute and preventive treatments. We discuss the current literature regarding acute treatment for retinal artery occlusion and also review the evidence for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke after central retinal artery occlusion. There are numerous studies addressing acute treatment and secondary prevention of hemispheric stroke (involving the visual pathways) and we review the evidence supporting such therapy. Ischemic optic neuropathy differs in terms of mechanism and treatment from retinal and cerebral stroke, and this topic is also covered from an evidence-based perspective. Finally, we discuss various modalities for visual rehabilitation after stroke in the visual pathways.