Eye Care for Patients with High Blood Pressure

There are plenty of health conditions that can lead to vision loss and problems with your vision quality. Even issues that don't affect the eyes directly can result in poor eyesight. Diabetes, for instance, can eventually cause vision problems later in life. The same is true of smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure (hypertension).

The team at Choate Eye Associates has helped countless patients in the Nashville with their vision care needs. Right now, we'd like to focus on how high blood pressure can lead to poor vision.

The Dangers of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can lead to a number of serious health problems. Some of the health risks associated with high blood pressure include:

• Aneurysm
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Dementia
• Kidney damage
• Kidney failure

Since high blood pressure is often associated with obesity, the use of tobacco products, and poor diet, there are a host of other medical conditions that may associated with high blood pressure, such as obesity, diabetes, and lung disease.

In addition to these problems, high blood pressure can also lead to serious health issues that impact your vision and the condition of your eyes.

Eye Diseases Linked to High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure has been linked to the following eye diseases:

• Damage to the Blood Vessels of the Eyes (Retinopathy) – People who suffer from high blood pressure may experience problems with the blood vessels of the eye, particularly the blood vessels of the retina. Broken blood vessels in the eye can result in the loss of vision.

• Fluid Buildup Under the Retina (Choroidopathy) – Bleeding blood vessels of the eye can lead to other kinds of damage. The fluid built up in that area of the eye can distort and impair the vision, and can lead to the formation of scar tissue.

• Damage to the Optic Nerve (Optic Neuropathy) – When a person suffers from high blood pressure, this can result in a dangerous blockage of blood flow in the eyes, which can do damage to the optic nerve.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Your Blood Pressure

If vision problems and other health issues are caught early, patients may be able to adjust their lifestyle and habits in order to reduce their blood pressure. This might include:

• Eating a healthy diet that's rich in fresh fruits and vegetables
• Reducing salt and fat intake
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding the use of tobacco products

All of the above can greatly improve a person's blood pressure as well as someone's general wellness.

Medication and Professional Help for High Blood Pressure

When lifestyle changes alone are not enough to reduce blood pressure, professional medical care will be necessary to help reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of various medical problems. Blood-thinning medications and other professional therapies will be considered in combination with lifestyle changes to address your wellness issues.

Treating Eye Conditions as They Arise

While addressing your blood pressure, it's possible to undergo treatments for your vision that help prevent vision loss and, when possible, restore the vision that was lost. During a consultation at our practice, we can assess your situation and determine the ideal method of treatment for you and your needs.

Learn More About the Health of Your Eyes

If you would like more information about improving the health of your eyes and the overall quality of your vision, contact our team of experienced vision and eye care doctors today. The team here at Choate Eye Associates will provide insight into preventative care options as well as information on treatments for the conditions that you face.