High Blood Pressure and Retinal Health: Exploring the Connection
Originally published by Palmetto Retina Center
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to impaired circulation, increasing the risk of a wide range of health issues, including retinal impairment. The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for translating light and images into nerve signals for the brain to interpret. It's one of the organs most sensitive to sustained hypertension. Over time, high blood pressure can damage and cause the retinal blood vessels to leak, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Retinal Conditions Associated with High Blood Pressure
The higher the blood pressure and the longer it has been high, the more severe damage to the retina it can cause. Some retinal problems most commonly associated with high blood pressure include:
- Hypertensive Retinopathy: A condition that causes damage to the retina due to long-term high blood pressure. It has no symptoms until the advanced stages, when patients may experience vision loss or other complications.
- Choroidopathy: An accumulation of fluid under the retina. It can lead to distorted vision and scar tissue that causes vision loss.
- Eye Stroke: A condition characterized by restricted blood flow to the retina. It can cause blurry, or even total vision loss.
- Macular Degeneration: A breakdown of the central part of the retina. While often associated with the aging process, high blood pressure can increase the risk of this condition.
Hypertension is also linked to optic nerve damage, glaucoma, and other eye problems.
Signs of Retinal Damage Due to High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can impact the structure of the retina, which a retinal specialist will examine to make an accurate diagnosis. Signs of retinal damage include:
- Retinal bleeding
- Retinal swelling
- Buildup of proteins and fat on the retina
- Narrowing and scarring of the blood vessels in the retina
- Blockages of the veins and arteries in the retina
- Swelling of the optic nerve
Retinal Treatment Options
Treating retinal conditions caused by high blood pressure typically involves a combination of eye surgery and lifestyle changes to improve blood flow and circulation. A retina specialist may also administer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications directly to an eye via an injection. Anti-VEGFs are a class of medications used to halt the process of neovascularization, which is when abnormal blood vessels form in the retina.
Protect Yourself Against Hypertension-Related Vision Loss
High blood pressure can impact many parts of the body, including the retina. The best way to protect against vision loss is to effectively manage your hypertension. It’s also important to keep up with regular eye appointments. Early diagnosis of a retinal condition can lead to better treatment outcomes. At Palmetto Retina Center, we can accurately diagnose and treat retinal conditions related to high blood pressure. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.