High blood pressure – a danger to your eyes

High blood pressure (arterial hypertension) is a condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels is too high. This article explains how high blood pressure is symptomatically related to the eyes, what effects it has on the eyes and how high blood pressure can be prevented.

What does high blood pressure have to do with the eyes?

There are many fine blood vessels in the eyes. If the blood pressure rises, the blood vessels in the eye react sensitively to the change. The high pressure can lead to damage and constriction of the blood vessels.

If the blood vessels are damaged by hypertension, the risk of vascular calcification (arteriosclerosis) increases. In turn, vascular calcification leads to circulatory disorders and, in the worst case, to complete vascular occlusion. The affected organs – including the eye – are no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen. The result: damage to the eyes.

Effects of hypertension on the eye

Hypertension can have various pathological effects on the eye as a result of blood vessel damage.

Nurse measures blood pressure

Hypertensive retinopathy

Undetected and untreated high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the retina (hypertensive retinopathy). The longer hypertension remains undetected, the higher the risk of consequential damage. The consequences of this eye disease are bleeding in the eye, edema or damage to the retina, which can ultimately lead to blindness. Hypertensive retinopathy causes various symptoms, such as

  • Seeing double images
  • Cloudy and limited visibility
  • Sudden headache
  • Loss of vision

Hypertensive optic neuropathy

Hypertension can also have an effect on the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses to the visual center in the brain, thus creating a visual impression. High blood pressure can lead to blood vessel occlusion at the optic nerve head . The effects of an occlusion are insufficient blood supply and swelling of the optic nerve papilla (papilledema) – this is also referred to as an optic nerve infarction. Possible symptoms are

  • Visual field defects
  • Complete loss of vision
  • Sudden one-sided visual disturbances

During an ophthalmologic examination, hemorrhages at the edge of the optic nerve are often detected in those affected.

Retinal detachment (amotio retinae) – an ophthalmologic emergency

Another possible consequence of high blood pressure that is known and feared by many people: Retinal detachment. High blood pressure can increase the risk of retinal detachment – especially if other risk factors, such as short-sightedness (myopia), are present. The first serious signs of retinal detachment are

  • Seeing soot rain or a curtain
  • Visual field loss
  • Limited visual acuity
  • Seeing flashes of light (flicker scotoma)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often occurs in old age. Studies show that there is a link between high blood pressure and AMD , which is why high blood pressure should be classified as a risk factor.

The macula – also known as the yellow spot – is the sharpest point of vision. This is where most of the photoreceptors are located. Intensive metabolic processes take place here – due to the breakdown and removal processes of the photoreceptors. If the metabolism is disturbed by deposits in the vessels, this leads to visual disturbances that affect the central field of vision in particular.

Recognizing high blood pressure and preventing eye involvement

Eye involvement in hypertension usually only develops if the high blood pressure is not recognized and treated over a certain period of time. It is therefore all the more important to recognize the symptoms of high blood pressure:

  • Dizziness and ringing in the ears
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches (especially in the morning)
  • Nervousness

Avoid eye diseases caused by high blood pressure

The risk of eye diseases caused by high blood pressure can be reduced by taking a number of factors into account when treating hypertension.

Healthy diet

A healthy diet can influence blood pressure. Make sure that you eat less salty, fatty and highly sugary foods. Instead, you should eat a balanced diet. This includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain products, lean protein and high-quality fats.

Weight management for high blood pressure

Being overweight can have a negative effect on blood pressure and increase it. You should therefore avoid being overweight or work on it if you are already overweight. A healthy diet and regular exercise are most important when it comes to weight management.

Sporting activities

Even if you are not overweight, regular physical activity has been shown to be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week already leads to a reduction in blood pressure. Suitable activities include, for example

  • Brisk walking
  • Swimming
  • Cycling

Alcohol and smoking

Alcohol and smoking are considered risk factors when it comes to high blood pressure. To avoid high blood pressure, alcohol should be consumed in moderation and smoking should be avoided completely.

Reduce stress in everyday life

Regular stress in everyday life can increase blood pressure. Try to avoid stress or manage it through stress management. Meditation, yoga, breathing and relaxation exercises have proven to be effective.

Alcohol and cigarettes are bad for your eyesight

Medication for high blood pressure

If the high blood pressure is particularly high or cannot be reduced through lifestyle changes, antihypertensive medication is usually used. Various medications with different modes of action can be used:

  • Diuretics
  • Beta blockers
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers

You should discuss which medication is suitable for you with your doctor.

Regular blood pressure measurements

It is also important that your blood pressure is always monitored, even when you are taking medication – both at home and by taking measurements at the doctor’s office. This ensures that the medication is having the desired effect. In addition, blood pressure can also get worse or better when taking medication, so that it may be necessary to adjust the dose.

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Author:

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

Nachdem er sein Handwerk von den beiden Pionieren der Laserchirurgie gelernt hat, gehört Dr. Victor Derhartunian zu den führenden Augenlaser-Chirurgen. Er leitet die Praxis in Wien und kann seine Patienten in fünf Sprachen beraten.