Does High Blood Pressure Have an Impact on Visual Health?
If you have high blood pressure, does it mean that your vision is impacted by the pressure? It depends on your situation, but it is important that you work with an experienced eye doctor in Chicago to be sure that you are protecting your vision. Here is what you need to know about high blood pressure and eye health:
Untreated High Blood Pressure Can Damage the Blood Vessels
Initially, high blood pressure won’t have an impact on your vision. But, if the condition is left untreated, then it is possible that the high blood pressure could lead to other problems within your body. For example, the increased pressure that continues for an extended period can cause damage to the blood vessels that are within the retina. As a result, the function of the retina is limited and pressure is placed on the optic nerve, resulting in vision problems.
Hypertensive Retinopathy is the name of the eye condition, and it can contribute to the development of other eye diseases, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. If left untreated, retinopathy can lead to serious eye problems, such as bleeding that occurs within the eye, blurry vision, and even a loss of vision.
Keep in mind that the risk of retinal damage from high blood pressure is higher if you also have diabetes. So, if you have been diagnosed with both diabetes and high blood pressure, it is essential that you are visiting with an experienced eye doctor on a consistent basis to avoid damage to your eyes.
Nerve Damage within the Eye
Optic Neuropathy is an issue that can develop when a person has high blood pressure. In this situation, the blood flow within the eye is blocked, which causes damage to the optic nerve. It is essential for the eye to receive a steady flow of blood to get the nutrients and oxygen that are needed. When the flow of blood stops, then it can cause cells within the eye to be damaged. Eventually, it can lead to bleeding that causes vision loss.
Fluid Buildup under the Retina
Another problem that can develop in the eyes because of untreated high blood pressure is that fluid can start to build up under the retina. When the blood vessels have been damaged, they might start to leak which can put more pressure on the eye. There are many small blood vessels located under the retina, andall of these blood vessels can be impacted by blood pressure.
This condition is known as Choroidopathy, and it can lead to long-term damage from impaired vision or distorted vision.
Talk with an Eye Doctor in Chicago
As you can see, there are many things that can happen to your eyes if your high blood pressure is left untreated. Don’t make the mistake of damaging your eye health because you fail to seek treatment for your blood pressure condition! The best thing that you can do is work with your doctor and an experienced optometrist to protect your vision. Call us at Village Eyecare to schedule an appointment right away.