If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), you may be at risk for several additional health conditions. For example, one of the most common conditions associated with high blood pressure is coronary artery disease. In this article, we will focus on ways your high blood pressure could potentially affect your eye health. The health of your retinas depends on the flow of nutrients through the blood vessels in your eyes. High blood pressure damages those vessels, which can lead to a number of eye problems and vision loss.
Blood vessel damage
High blood pressure damages blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the retina. This can cause poor vision in one or both eyes, especially with age. Retinopathy is one type of damage caused by high blood pressure in the eyes.
The main symptoms of retinopathy include:
Changes to your field of vision
You might see floaters or flashes of light. Your vision may seem blurry or distorted. A doctor can use advanced imaging technology to confirm any changes in your field of view.
Blurred vision
Over time, you might notice that your ability to see up close is getting worse, but you’re still able to see objects far away just fine. That’s because high blood pressure affects the part of your retina responsible for distance vision before it begins.
Choroidopathy
Choroidopathy is a medical condition that occurs when there is an abnormal buildup of fluid under the retina of the eye. The choroid is a layer that acts as a blood supply to the retina. The choroid transmits oxygen and nutrients to the retina, which helps you see. It also helps with waste removal from these cells.
An abnormal build-up of fluid in this area can lead to swelling, which in turn can lead to a thicker than normal choroid. This usually does not cause any problems with your vision. It may feel like there is something behind your eye, but it will generally not affect your vision enough to be noticed without testing or examination.
How is Choroidopathy diagnosed?
There are no specific tests for diagnosing choroidopathy. A doctor will typically use an ultrasound or MRI to detect fluid buildup under the retina. They may also check for any retinal detachment using a fluorescein angiography test. If the fluid buildup is located behind the fovea, it can be difficult to diagnose without doing an MRI.
High blood pressure can affect your eyesight and lead to a number of eye diseases. It is important that you treat high blood pressure to prevent vision problems and possible blindness down the road. A qualified eye doctor can monitor your eye health if you have high blood pressure.
Meta description: Good blood pressure is essential to eye health. Learn how high blood pressure can affect your vision.
