Hypertension (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)

Along with causing heart and kidney problems, untreated high blood pressure can also affect your eyesight and lead to eye disease.Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the area at the back of the eye where images focus. This eyedisease is known as hypertensive retinopathy. The damage can be serious if hypertension is not treated.

What Are the Symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy?

A person typically won't experience symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy; it is usually discovered during a routine eye exam. However, symptoms might include headaches and vision problems.

Risk Factors for Hypertensive Retinopathy

The following conditions put you at a higher risk for HR:

• prolonged high blood pressure
• heart disease
• atherosclerosis
• diabetes
• smoking
• high cholesterol
• being overweight
• eating an unhealthy diet
• heavy alcohol consumption

Additionally, the condition is more common in people of African descent, particularly Afro-Caribbean people. Women are also more likely to be affected by blood vessel damage than men.