Ischemic Eye Diseases Treatment with EECP
A prolonged reduction in blood flow to the eye can lead to ischemic eye diseases that gradually impair vision. This is often a sign of narrowing in the carotid artery. EECP has been investigated in these patients; the evidence is limited and mixed.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Provides improvement in ischemic eye diseases caused by impaired circulation in the eye vessels.
Reduced blood supply to the eye can be a warning sign of severe narrowing in the carotid artery and of a stroke that may develop later.
Treatment is a process carried out jointly by the eye doctor, neurologist and vascular surgeon. EECP does not replace it.
Retrospective data from China are positive, while the controlled study in optic nerve disease is negative.
What Happens When the Eye Is Deprived of Blood?
The eye receives its blood from the ophthalmic artery, which branches off the internal carotid artery. When the carotid artery is severely narrowed, blood flow to the eye decreases, and this is called ocular ischemic syndrome. Because symptoms can be confused with age-related vision loss, diagnosis is often delayed.
Retina
When the retina receives insufficient blood for a long time, vision can become blurred. The eye doctor evaluates this with a fundus examination.
Optic nerve
When the blood supply of the optic nerve is impaired, losses in the visual field can occur. This picture is called ischemic optic neuropathy.
Carotid artery narrowing
The most common cause of ocular ischemic syndrome is occlusive disease in the common or internal carotid artery. For this reason, a neck ultrasound is important.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Stroke risk
Reduced blood supply to the eye can be a sign of advanced disease in the vessels that feed the brain. For this reason, a neurological evaluation is also performed.
Heart
Heart and vascular diseases share the same risk factors. A person with a problem in an eye vessel also needs a heart evaluation.
Risk factors
Blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol and smoking also wear down the eye vessels. Treating these factors is the basis of prevention.
Eye Circulation: Before and With EECP
The comparison below shows in simple terms the circulatory support targeted with EECP. Its effect in eye diseases is not proven.
Eye deprived of blood
- Slowly progressing vision loss
- Severe narrowing in the carotid artery
- Heart and vascular risk factors
Circulatory support alongside treatment
- An increase in flow in the head and neck vessels is targeted
- Eye and vascular surgery treatments continue
- Vision is measured regularly
Schematic illustration. EECP does not open a narrowing in the carotid artery; it does not replace surgical or eye treatments.
How Is EECP Applied?
During treatment you lie down and rest. The device monitors your heart rhythm with an ECG and controls the cuffs accordingly.
Cuffs inflate
While the heart relaxes, the cuffs on the calves, thighs and buttocks inflate in sequence: first the calves, then the thighs and buttocks.
Blood heads toward the head
The pressure that rises as the heart relaxes is also transmitted to the vessels of the head and neck. Its effect on eye circulation varies from person to person.
The heart's workload decreases
The pressure is released just before the heart contracts, so the heart pumps more easily. This cycle repeats with every heartbeat.
Vision is monitored
Visual acuity and fundus findings are compared by your eye doctor before and after the course.
What Have the Studies Shown?
Below we summarize the information that stands out in the studies and guidelines. The response varies from person to person.
People with carotid artery narrowing
In a retrospective study reported in expert opinion, significant improvement in vision was reported in patients who had EECP added to medication.
Early start
The same study reported that the earlier treatment was started, the better the outcome.
Eye vessel flow
Expert opinion reports that in optic nerve disease, flow velocity in the ophthalmic arteries increased with EECP.
Non-surgical and painless
It is applied from the outside with cuffs; you lie down and rest throughout the session.
Tolerance
In a controlled study of patients with optic nerve disease, EECP was well tolerated by all patients.
Multifaceted treatment
According to the review, treatment includes laser, eye medications and, if necessary, carotid artery surgery.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, an eye examination, neck vessel ultrasound and neurological evaluation are performed. Treatment of carotid artery narrowing is planned with your vascular surgeon and neurologist. The decision on EECP is made by our cardiologist alongside these treatments.
✓May be suitable for
- Patients diagnosed with ocular ischemic syndrome whose treatment has been planned
- Patients with carotid artery narrowing who are under eye doctor follow-up
- Patients who want to support vascular health after a previous retinal vessel occlusion
✕Not suitable for
- Newly started vision loss: first go to the emergency room immediately
- Severe aortic valve insufficiency
- Aortic aneurysm
- Active deep vein thrombosis or vein inflammation
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe arrhythmia
- Marked bleeding tendency and pregnancy
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
Blood pressure and pulse are checked before every session. At the end of the course, the results are reviewed with our cardiologist. In eye patients, vision measurements are made on your eye doctor's schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ischemic Eye Diseases and EECP
Will EECP improve my vision?
Improvement was reported in retrospective Chinese studies. In the controlled study in optic nerve disease, however, there was no difference; therefore the outcome cannot be guaranteed.
Why does reduced blood supply to the eye matter?
According to the review, ocular ischemic syndrome can be a warning sign of severe narrowing in the carotid artery and of a stroke that may develop later. For this reason, the neck vessels are also examined.
Can I have EECP instead of carotid artery surgery?
No. The decision on surgery belongs to your vascular surgeon and neurologist. EECP does not replace this treatment.
How does this page differ from the sudden vision loss page?
The sudden vision loss page describes emergencies. This page focuses on slower, long-standing reduced blood supply to the eye.
Will I keep taking my medications?
Yes. You need to continue your medications as your cardiologist recommends. The decision to change medication is made only by your doctor.
How many sessions are needed?
The standard course is 35 sessions: 5 days a week, 60 minutes per session. The plan is made in line with your eye doctor's follow-up, and vision measurements are repeated regularly.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
If you have a problem with the eye vessels, contact us with your eye and neck vessel tests. Our cardiologist openly discusses the place of EECP for you.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou