Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition characterized by persistently increased blood pressure in the vascular system. While the serious effects of high blood pressure on the heart and kidneys are well known, its insidious effects on the eyes are often overlooked. In fact, high blood pressure can cause serious damage to the eyes, ranging from blurred vision to irreversible vision loss.
The Link Between Blood Pressure and Vision
Our eyes are a complex system of tiny blood vessels, especially in the retina, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. All of these structures depend on a steady flow of blood.
When blood pressure is high, these tiny blood vessels become stressed and can become damaged, leaky, or even burst. As a result, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the eye tissue is interrupted, leading to retinal ischemia, causing visual problems such as blurred vision, image distortion, or even vision loss. In particular, the macula (the central area that helps to see details clearly) can become swollen or damaged due to fluid accumulation, causing a serious decrease in the ability to see clearly.
The optic nerve is also very sensitive to changes in blood pressure. When the blood supply to this nerve is reduced, it can lead to sudden, intermittent vision loss, or in severe cases, permanent vision loss.
What eye diseases can high blood pressure cause?
High blood pressure is not only uncomfortable, but it is also a potential risk factor for many serious eye diseases.
Here are some common conditions:
1. Hypertensive retinopathy
This is a direct consequence of prolonged high blood pressure damaging the blood vessels in the retina. The small arteries become narrowed, causing ischemia, retinal edema, and in severe cases, retinal detachment.
In the early stages, the disease often has no obvious symptoms and is only detected through a thorough eye exam. If not detected and treated promptly, the disease can progress to cause blurred vision, blind spots, or permanent blindness.
2. Diabetic retinopathy
If a person has both diabetes and high blood pressure, the risk of eye damage doubles. High blood sugar weakens the retinal blood vessels, and high blood pressure makes this condition worse.
Complications include: neovascularization, retinal hemorrhage, macular edema, all of which seriously affect vision and can lead to blindness if left unchecked.
3. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
The macula is an important area that helps the eye see fine details. High blood pressure can contribute to the development of macular degeneration by causing hardening of the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the area. This makes it difficult to perform activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
4. Retinal vein occlusion
High blood pressure is the leading cause of blockage of the central retinal vein or its small branches. When the vein is blocked, blood cannot drain out of the retina, causing swelling, bleeding, and vision loss. This condition can lead to partial or complete blindness in one eye.
5. Ischemic optic neuropathy
When the small blood vessels that nourish the optic nerve are damaged by high blood pressure, the reduced blood flow deprives the nerve of oxygen. This causes irreversible damage, leading to vision loss.
Tips to keep your eyes healthy when you have high blood pressure
The most important thing to protect your eyes from dangerous complications is to control your blood pressure effectively and regularly.
Here are some habits to maintain:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Increase green vegetables, fruits, whole grains and foods rich in potassium. Limit salt, sugar and saturated fat.
- Exercise regularly: Maintaining 30 minutes of exercise every day can help stabilize blood pressure and improve blood circulation to the eyes.
- Take medication as prescribed: Always take blood pressure medication as prescribed by your doctor and do not skip doses.
- Do not smoke, limit alcohol: They damage blood vessels and accelerate retinal damage.
- Regular eye exams: Especially for people over 40 years old or have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
