Don’t let high blood pressure cloud your vision.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious health condition that can damage many organs in your body, including your eyes. Recent studies show up to 4.2 million people in England could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.
While you might not associate eye health with blood pressure, the tiny blood vessels in your eyes are especially vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled hypertension, and this needs to be treated immediately.
We’ll be guiding you through the connection between high blood pressure and eye health, exploring the different eye diseases and complications that can arise.
Hypertensive retinopathy
The primary culprit behind high blood pressure’s impact on vision is a condition called hypertensive retinopathy.
When blood pressure remains high for extended periods, it wreaks havoc on the delicate blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye responsible for sharp vision.
Hypertensive retinopathy can progress through various stages, each with its own potential consequences. Here’s a summary of the stages:
- Early stages: Often symptomless, early signs during an eye exam might include narrow blood vessels and tiny haemorrhages.
- Moderate stages: Vision changes like blurred vision may occur as fluid leaks from damaged vessels or cotton wool spots appear on the retina.
- Severe stages: In severe cases, significant blood vessel blockage can lead to macular edema (swelling) or optic nerve damage, causing permanent vision loss or blindness.
Other eye concerns linked to high blood pressure
While hypertensive retinopathy is the most prominent eye risk associated with high blood pressure, it’s not the only one. Here are other potential complications:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease where damage to the optic nerve, responsible for sending visual information to the brain, progressively steals sight. While high blood pressure isn’t the sole culprit, it can play a complex role.
Chronically high blood pressure can strain the delicate blood vessels supplying the optic nerve, and in some cases, this can lead to reduced blood flow and contribute to nerve damage.
The relationship isn’t straightforward though, as very low blood pressure can also be detrimental. It’s crucial to maintain healthy blood pressure levels to optimise blood flow to the optic nerve and reduce the risk of glaucoma progression.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration primarily damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. While high blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout the retina, some studies suggest it might contribute to macular degeneration by affecting blood flow or causing inflammation in the macula.
The importance of early detection
The good news is that maintaining healthy blood pressure levels significantly reduces the risk of eye problems. Regular eye exams with retinal imaging using the OCT and ultra-wide optomap are crucial for early detection of hypertensive retinopathy or other eye conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure can help prevent or slow the progression of eye damage.
How to prevent high blood pressure and protect your eyes
Maintain a healthy diet
Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Opt for lean protein sources, such as fish, poultry, and beans. Reduce your sodium intake by limiting processed foods and salt.
Exercise regularly
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week. Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight, which can lower your blood pressure. It can also improve blood flow throughout your body, including to your eyes.
Maintain a healthy weight
Losing weight if you are overweight or obese can help lower your blood pressure. A healthy weight for you will depend on your height, sex, and other factors. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy weight is for you.
Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can raise your blood pressure. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Manage stress
Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time in nature.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is a major risk factor for high blood pressure and many other health problems. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Get your eyes tested regularly at Safarian & Simon
Regular eye exams at Safarian & Simon are your key to maintaining clear vision and safeguarding your eye health for years to come. Early detection is critical in catching eye problems like glaucoma or macular degeneration in their earliest stages, when treatment is most effective.
Our expert optician, Sachin Patel, utilises cutting-edge technology and his extensive experience to conduct thorough eye tests that go beyond the high street standard.
At Safarian & Simon, you’ll receive a comprehensive eyesight check tailored to your individual needs, ensuring your eyes get the expert care they deserve, and your vision health is in optimal state.
Make an appointment today and see the difference a superior eye exam can make!
