Prawidlowe csisnienie
27 Healthy Habits
to Normalize Blood Pressure
FREE BOOK
Download now

Strikes of Hypertension in the Eyes

Strikes of Hypertension in the Eyes
Along with causing heart and kidney problems, untreated high blood pressure can also affect your eyesight and lead to eye disease. Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the area at the back of the eye where images focus. This eye disease is known as hypertensive retinopathy. The damage can be serious if hypertension is not treated.
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back part of the eye. It changes light and images that enter the eye into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.
Hypertensive retinopathy is an eyesight disorder that occurs as a result of high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high, causing the arteries to stretch, narrow and become damaged over time.

Causes

The higher the blood pressure and the longer it has been high, the more severe the damage is likely to be. You have a higher risk of damage and vision loss when you also have diabetes, high cholesterol level, or you smoke. Rarely, very high blood pressure develops suddenly. However, when it does, it can cause severe changes in the eye. Other problems with the retina are also more likely, such as:
  • Damage to the nerves in the eye due to poor blood flow
  • Blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the retina
  • Blockage of the veins that carry blood away from the retina

What Are the Symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy?

of A person typically won't experience symptoms of mild to moderate hypertensive retinopathy; it is usually discovered during a routine eye exam. Symptoms of more severe and accelerated hypertension might include headaches and vision problems. Severe retinopathy can occur alongside high blood pressure during pregnancy, so prenatal care is important.

Exams and Tests

Outlook (Prognosis)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

How Is Hypertensive Retinopathy Diagnosed?

An eye care professional can diagnose hypertensive retinopathy. Using an ophthalmoscope, an instrument that projects light to examine the back of the eyeball, the doctor will look for signs of retinopathy that include:
  1. Narrowing of blood vessels
  2. Spots on the retina known as cotton wool spots and exudates
  3. Swelling of the macula (the central area of the retina) and optic nerve
  4. Bleeding in the back of the eye

How Is Hypertensive Retinopathy Treated?

The best way to treat hypertensive retinopathy is to adequately control your blood pressure.

Can Hypertensive Retinopathy Be Prevented?

To prevent hypertensive retinopathy, keep your blood pressure under control by reaching and maintaining your optimal weight, sticking with a diet recommended by your physician, exercising regularly, and faithfully taking your high blood pressure medications as prescribed. In addition, see your doctor on a regular basis for follow-up care.
Prawidlowe csisnienie
27 Healthy Habits
to Normalize Blood Pressure
FREE BOOK
Download now