Birmingham
Ophthalmologist Marc Michelson, M.D. explained that an eye exam test might
help predict the risk of stroke. “Information about a new eye test that may
help identify patients who are at high risk for stroke was published by
researchers from the University of Zurich. The test
called Ocular Pulse Amplitude (OPA) is able to detect carotid artery stenosis
(CAS) or carotid artery narrowing, a condition that clogs or blocks the
arteries that feed the front part of the brain which is a known risk factor for
stroke. I am hopeful that we will soon be able to perform this test as part of
a routine eye exam.”
Each year, approximately 795,000 Americans suffer
a new or recurrent stroke, and more than 137,000 of these people die as a
result. People with severe CAS are much more likely to suffer stroke.”We would
like to catch and treat CAS before that can happen, but because CAS has no
symptoms and an efficient test is not currently available the disease often
goes undetected.
If you
or someone you know has questions about eye exams, eye health and stroke
prevention please feel free to call Alabama
Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or
facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Michelson Laser Vision is a leading Birmingham eye care practice with offices at 327 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, 1201 11th Avenue S., Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.
