Hypertensive Retinopathy
The retina is the layer of tissue that converts light and images into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The retina is located at the back part of the eye. Patients with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing hypertensive retinopathy, damage to the retina from high blood pressure.
Complications of Hypertensive Retinopathy
Patients with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, are often at a higher risk for developing retinal conditions such as:
- Retinal vein occlusions
- Retinal artery occlusion
- Ischemic optic neuropathy
Causes of Hypertensive Retinopathy
Elevated blood pressure, left untreated, usually results in more severe damage to the eyes. Other causes for hypertensive retinopathy include the following:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Elevated cholesterol levels
Symptoms of Hypertensive Retinopathy
Patients with hypertensive retinopathy do not always exhibit signs until the disease has progressed. Those symptoms may include:
- Double vision
- Headaches
- Partial or total loss of vision
Diagnosis of Hypertensive Retinopathy
After a thorough medical examination of the eyes, the following diagnostic tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy:
- Dilated eye examination
- Ophthalmoscope
- Fluorescein angiography
Treatment of Hypertensive Retinopathy
There is no cure for these conditions, any vision loss that occurs cannot be reversed. Treatment to reduce the risks of developing retinal artery damage include:
- Controlling blood pressure
- Reducing cholesterol levels
- Smoking cessation
- Prevention of the development of diabetes
