Retinal Microvascular Alterations in Acute Stroke Patients Assessed by Fundus Photography

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The retina, due to
its shared embryological and anatomical characteristics with cerebral vasculature, offers a unique
window to assess microvascular health. Retinal microvascular abnormalities may serve as
noninvasive markers of cerebrovascular disease, but their role in acute stroke patients is
underexplored.
Aim: To examine retinal microvascular changes in acute stroke patients using fundus photography
and evaluate their correlation with stroke severity.