High Blood Pressure and Your Eyes

Your eyes contain many tiny blood vessels. When subjected to long-term effects of high blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension), the following conditions can develop: 

• Blood vessel damage (retinopathy) - A lack of blood flow to the retina leads to blurred vision or the loss of sight. People with diabetes and high blood pressure are at an even greater risk of developing this condition. Managing blood pressure is also the only way to treat hypertensive retinopathy. 
• Fluid build-up under the retina (choroidopathy) - This buildup of fluid under the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye(s), results in distorted vision; or, in some cases, scarring that impairs vision. 
• Nerve damage (optic neuropathy) - The result of blocked blood flow that damages the optic nerve(s), it can kill nerve cells in your eyes, which may cause temporary or permanent vision loss. 

In addition to threatening the anatomy of the eyes, high blood pressure is also a cause of stroke(s), which can impair the optic nerve or damage the area of the brain responsible for processing images. 

Monitoring your blood pressure every few months, and having a routine eye exam to ensure good ocular health is necessary. Don't let high blood pressure harm your vision, or your eyes.