Focus on Eyes: High blood pressure can affect your eyes

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a medical condition in which blood pressure remains elevated.

Smoking, being overweight, excess salt consumption and alcohol intake increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Hypertension is usually asymptomatic; however, chronic elevated blood pressure increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease, kidney disease, heart failure, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, memory problems and can even lead to vision problems. 

Some people with severe high blood pressure levels may experience headaches and shortness of breath. However, hypertension usually gives no symptoms.

Chronically elevated blood pressure can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, a condition in which the eyes show stiffened micro-vasculature bleeding and micro-infarcts of the retina (innermost layer inside the eye), and even swelling of the optic nerve (nerve that transmits visual information from the eyes to the brain).

While chronic vascular changes from high blood pressure do not usually cause any symptoms, some patients may present with eye pain, headaches or decreased vision.

Changes in the vessels inside the eye increase the risk of retinal artery or vein occlusion, which can lead to permanent loss of vision. The treatment for hypertensive retinopathy is management of systemic blood pressure.

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Most people with high blood pressure have no identifiable cause, and hypertension tends to develop gradually over the years. This type of high blood pressure is called primary or essential hypertension.

On the other hand, some people develop secondary hypertension, which is due to an underlying condition like for example kidney problems, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, adrenal gland tumors, illegal drug use, alcohol abuse and even some prescribed medications.

There are several types of medications that can be used alone or in combination to help control elevated blood pressure. Make sure that you follow with your primary care physician to address any health issues, and have a yearly eye exam if you have elevated blood pressure.

Dr. Ho and Dr. Vaccari are ophthalmologists at Atlantic Eye MD, specializing in cataract surgery, multifocal lens implants, laser surgery, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and macular degeneration as well as the full spectrum of vision disorders.

The Atlantic Eye MD office is located at 8040 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne.

To make an appointment please call (321) 757-7272

To learn more about the personalized eye care of Dr. Ho and Dr. Vaccari, visit AtlanticEyeMD.com