How High Blood Pressure Can Damage Your Vision
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” for a reason – it can quietly damage vital organs, including the eyes. Over time, elevated blood pressure can harm the retina, the delicate tissue at the back of the eye that helps translate light into visual signals for the brain. While most people don’t associate hypertension with vision problems, understanding the risks and recognizing early signs can make all the difference in preventing lasting eye damage.
High Blood Pressure and Overall Eye Health
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can harm the blood vessels in the eyes and cause conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and hypertensive retinopathy. High blood pressure can also cause strokes, which can damage the optic nerve or the area of the brain that processes images.
Hypertensive Retinopathy Symptoms and Risk Factors
Hypertensive retinopathy typically doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms until it’s in its advanced stages. Symptoms may include double vision, dim vision, vision loss, and headaches. Sudden symptoms are a medical emergency and often mean that the blood pressure is very high. If you develop hypertensive retinopathy, there’s a higher risk of damage if you also have diabetes, high cholesterol levels, or smoke.
Managing Hypertensive Retinopathy
Treatment for hypertensive retinopathy involves lowering blood pressure, typically through lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes to manage hypertensive retinopathy include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Following a heart-healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcoholic beverages
- Taking blood pressure medications
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist
If you have hypertensive retinopathy or are at risk of developing it, it’s crucial to see a retina specialist regularly. The earlier hypertensive retinopathy is diagnosed, the quicker treatment can begin, reducing the chances of developing significant vision loss.
At the Retina Group of Florida, our experienced retina specialists can effectively diagnose and treat hypertensive retinopathy and other retinal conditions. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located clinics in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Naples, and surrounding areas.
