High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common chronic health issues, affecting nearly half of adults in the United States. The condition, which occurs when the force of the blood pumping through your arteries remains abnormally high for extended periods, is strongly linked to heart attacks and stroke — but it can also damage your eyes.
This May, in recognition of High Blood Pressure Education Month, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our team at Wide Eye Optometry want to discuss the link between hypertension and vision loss.
Keep reading to discover why high blood pressure is bad for your eyes, the importance of early detection, and simple steps you can take to lower your risk of vision loss.
Hypertension is a common condition that occurs when the force of the blood pumping through your arteries remains consistently high. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg; a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is considered hypertension.
Hypertension is challenging because it rarely presents symptoms, so many people go a long time thinking that nothing is wrong. In reality, hypertension damages your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood that reaches your eyes. Over time, this can affect sensitive structures, like the retina and macula, increasing your risk of eye problems.
One of the most common eye problems caused by hypertension is hypertensive retinopathy. This occurs when high blood pressure damages the retina, which helps translate light coming into your eye into the images you see. Without adequate blood flow, this sensitive tissue can deteriorate, leading to vision loss and other complications.
Other eye-related risks of hypertension include:
The good news is that these outcomes aren’t inevitable. Early detection and treatment can help protect your vision for years to come.
Hypertension doesn’t cause vision problems right away. It takes months or years of ongoing high blood pressure to damage the blood vessels and other sensitive structures at the back of the eyes. This means you can take action if you know what to look for.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have a family history of the condition, schedule an annual checkup with our team. After a dilated eye exam and diagnostic imaging, we can determine if you’re at risk and make recommendations to help protect your vision.
If you have hypertension, you can take steps to keep your blood pressure within a healthy range and lower the risk of eye damage. We recommend:
Eating a heart-healthy diet featuring fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats is a great place to start. For example, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, combined with reduced sodium (salt) intake, can lower your blood pressure in as little as two weeks.
Exercising for at least 30-60 minutes most days of the week, cutting back on alcohol, abstaining from smoking, and managing stress levels can have similarly beneficial effects.
Many people with hypertension take medication to control their blood pressure. Take all medications as prescribed and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Consistency is key.
Make sure to schedule annual eye exams. Vision changes tend to happen slowly, and regular checkups can provide peace of mind.
Hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and eye problems, but with preventive measures and healthy lifestyle changes, you can safeguard your vision.
If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, we can help you protect your eyesight. Schedule a visit at Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.