{"id":17768,"date":"2021-10-04T08:42:15","date_gmt":"2021-10-04T08:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=17768"},"modified":"2021-10-04T08:42:40","modified_gmt":"2021-10-04T08:42:40","slug":"17768-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-health\/17768-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Can High Blood Pressure Affect the Eyes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage your eyes, and your eye doctor can spot the signs even before you do.<\/b><\/h2>\n

Many people know that high blood pressure (hypertension) is a risk factor for heart and kidney disease, but are unaware that uncontrolled blood pressure can also damage your eyes.<\/p>\n

How can high blood pressure damage your eyes?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Retinopathy (blood vessel damage)<\/b><\/h3>\n

Blurred vision or blindness can result from a shortage of blood flow to the retina<\/a>. This condition is more likely to occur in those who have diabetes<\/a> or high blood pressure. Hypertensive retinopathy<\/a> can only be treated by controlling blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Choroidopathy (fluid buildup under the retina)<\/b><\/h3>\n

The accumulation of fluid beneath the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball, causes distorted vision or, in some cases,\u00a0 scarring that affects vision.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: <\/strong>Eyes and Nutrition<\/a><\/p>\n

If you have high blood pressure, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you<\/a> for an eye health examination.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\t

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Find a Vision Therapy Eye Doctor Near You<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t
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