High blood pressure or hypertension can be detrimental to your organs. It can cause problems with your heart, kidneys and also your eyes. When not treated, it can damage the retina’s blood vessels, resulting in hypertensive retinopathy and other eye conditions. Moreover, getting an eye exam regularly can help with early detection and treatment of this eye condition.
Continue reading to find out what can happen to your eyes due to high blood pressure.
What Can High Blood Pressure Do to Your Eyes?
High blood pressure can lead to the development of hypertensive retinopathy. It affects your retina or the part of the eye that makes vision possible. The retina receives light from the lens and turns it into neural signals, which it then brings to the brain for visual recognition.
When your blood pressure rises, the walls of the retina may thicken. As a result, the blood flow is restricted to this part of your eye. When this happens, it can lead to permanent vision problems like blindness. Someone with hypertensive retinopathy usually only experiences symptoms once the condition has progressed. It’s another important reason to see your eye doctor regularly. Among the most common signs of this condition include eye swelling, reduced vision, double vision with headaches and bursting of a blood vessel.
How Can You Prevent Hypertensive Retinopathy?
The best way to avoid hypertensive retinopathy is to manage your blood pressure. You can do this by eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly and taking the high blood pressure medications prescribed by your doctor. It’s also essential to see your doctor routinely for follow-up care.
Whether you need eyeglasses or treatment for eye disease, Guilford Eye Center is here to assist. Call us at (336) 292-4516, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We cater to patients around Greensboro, NC.
