Almost half of all American adults have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, a chronic condition that can lead to heart disease and stroke. You’re likely aware of the risks to your heart health, but did you know that it can also damage your eyes?
At Downtown Ophthalmology, our team, led by Akhilesh Singh, MD, provides expert diagnosis and care for hypertensive retinopathy. Continue reading to discover how high blood pressure affects your eyes and what steps you can take to protect your vision.
Hypertension develops when the force of blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. Left untreated, this pressure can impact arteries throughout the body, including the delicate blood vessels in your eyes.
The retina is the part of the eye responsible for sensing light and creating images. With hypertensive retinopathy, high blood pressure causes the arteries that supply the retina to tighten, restricting blood flow to the tissue and starving it of the oxygen and nutrients it needs.
Over time, sustained pressure can permanently damage the retinal arteries. This may lead to complications like a gradual loss of vision or fluid buildup in the eye.
Like high blood pressure, hypertensive retinopathy rarely presents any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The only way to confirm a diagnosis is through an eye exam and/or imaging tests.
In addition to your eyes, hypertension may be damaging other organs, such as your heart, brain, or kidneys. Those with the condition are often unaware they have high blood pressure until a routine eye exam reveals concerning changes.
Early detection allows us to monitor the condition’s progression and help you take the necessary steps to protect your vision. Without prompt management, hypertensive retinopathy can cause permanent damage to the retina.
Taking a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health is the most effective way to stop hypertensive retinopathy from progressing and prevent further complications. Here’s what you can do to manage your blood pressure:
Your diet has a major impact on your blood pressure. To keep your levels in check, limit your sodium intake to no more than 1,500 milligrams daily by reducing processed foods and avoiding excess salt. Eat balanced meals that incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains and lean sources of protein.
Make time for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day. Consistency is key when it comes to keeping your blood pressure down, so choose activities you genuinely enjoy and can do regularly — brisk walking, swimming, and cycling are all great choices.
Quitting smoking is the most important change you can make to lower your blood pressure and support your overall health. Beyond that, limiting alcohol consumption and managing chronic stress are also crucial to avoid harmful blood pressure spikes.
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medication may be necessary to achieve target blood pressure levels.
While getting your blood pressure under control is the most important step, more advanced cases of hypertensive retinopathy may require targeted treatments like steroid injections to relieve pressure or laser therapy to address abnormalities in the retina.
Regular eye exams are essential for detecting the early, often asymptomatic signs of hypertensive retinopathy.
Don’t let high blood pressure permanently damage your eyesight. Contact us online or by phone to schedule a consultation at Downtown Ophthalmology in Forest Hills, New York.
