5 Ways Uncontrolled Hypertension Can Affect Eye Health

High blood pressure (hypertension)  is often called a "silent killer" because it doesn’t always present with any symptoms. Left untreated,  it can cause severe damage to various organs in your body over time, including your eyes. 

The experienced team at Negrey Eye Associates in Havertown, Pennsylvania, can help you understand the link between your eye health and hypertension. Let’s look at five ways uncontrolled hypertension can harm your eyes. 

1. Increased risk of retinal damage

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, essential for clear vision. High blood pressure can damage or block the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition called hypertensive retinopathy. In severe cases, it can lead to vision problems or even permanent blindness. 

Although you may not notice any symptoms in the early stages, you might experience blurry vision, eye strain, or even some vision loss as the condition progresses. Regular eye exams can help catch these issues early, allowing you to manage your blood pressure before it seriously affects your vision.

2. Increased risk of eye hemorrhages

High blood pressure can weaken the blood vessels in your eyes, causing them to burst and leak blood into the eye. This is called "retinal hemorrhage." While this may sound alarming, you might not feel any pain when it happens. Instead, you could suddenly notice blurry vision or even experience vision loss. 

Sometimes, the blood may clear up on its own, but if you ignore it, things can worsen. Severe hemorrhages can lead to permanent vision loss, especially if the bleeding affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Monitoring and staying on top of your blood pressure can help reduce your risk of eye hemorrhages.

3. Increased risk of developing glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. While increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main cause of glaucoma, uncontrolled hypertension can also contribute to its development. 

High blood pressure can disrupt the blood flow to your optic nerve, eventually leading to nerve damage, which can cause permanent vision loss. Keeping your blood pressure in check is crucial to lowering your risk of glaucoma, especially if you have other risk factors.

4. Increased risk of choroidopathy

The choroid is a layer of blood vessels between the retina and the white part of your eye (the sclera). When blood pressure remains high for long periods, it can damage this layer, leading to a condition called hypertensive choroidopathy. 

Fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the retina, distorting your vision. You might experience blurry or wavy vision, which can cause long-term vision problems if left untreated. Catching this condition early is key to preventing lasting damage.

5. Increased risk of retinal vein occlusion

Uncontrolled high blood pressure also increases your risk of developing retinal vein occlusion (RVO), where a vein in your retina becomes blocked. When this happens, it can lead to swelling, bleeding, and a disruption of blood flow to the retina. 

The retina needs a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to work correctly. A blockage can interfere with that. If you experience RVO, you might suddenly notice blurry vision or vision loss in one eye. 

If not treated, severe cases can lead to permanent vision loss. Managing your blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of retinal vein occlusion and other serious vision problems.

The importance of monitoring your blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, it's important to manage it and have regular eye exams. Call our office, or schedule your appointment online today to protect your vision.