What is Hypertensive Retinopathy?
Hypertensive retinopathy is an eye condition caused by the damage high blood pressure inflicts on the tissue layer at the rear of the eyeball, known as the retina. High blood pressure indicates that blood is pushing harder than usual against the arterial walls. This pressure, over time, can damage your arteries and disrupt blood flow to numerous parts of your body.
One of the main risk factors for other retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal artery or vein blockage, is hypertension. Furthermore, the combination of hypertension and diabetes significantly raises the risk of eyesight loss. Patients with hypertensive retinopathy are at greater risk of developing hypertension in other end organs. Source
Also, Read Complete Guide on Floaters: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms
People may not notice any symptoms until their hypertensive retinopathy has advanced to a later stage. Potential symptoms include:
- vision problems
- headaches
- swollen eyes
- burst blood vessels in the eyes
If a person has high blood pressure and suddenly develops vision changes, they should seek emergency medical attention.
Causes
The main cause of HR is chronically high blood pressure, often known as hypertension. High blood pressure is a chronic condition in which the blood’s force against your arteries is excessive. The force is caused by the heart’s blood pouring out into the arteries, as well as the force created when the heart rests between heartbeats.
When blood flows through the body at a higher pressure, the artery tissue begins to stretch and eventually becomes damaged. This causes a slew of issues over time.
HR usually develops after your blood pressure has been consistently elevated for an extended length of time. Blood pressure levels can be affected by: Source
- a lack of physical activity
- being overweight
- eating too much salt
- a stressful lifestyle
Also, high blood pressure runs in families.
Risk factors
The following conditions make you more susceptible to HR:
- prolonged high blood pressure
- heart disease
- atherosclerosis
- diabetes
- smoking
- high cholesterol
- being overweight
- eating an unhealthy diet high in fat proteins, trans fats, sugary foods, and sodium
- heavy alcohol consumption
Diagnosis
Routine tests, fundoscopic examinations, retinal imaging, and other exams may be performed by eye doctors or ophthalmologists to identify hypertensive retinopathy.
Using an ophthalmoscope, a physician can look at the retina and back of the eye by shining light through the pupil. They assess the blood vessel’s condition and search for indications of fluid leakage or constriction.
To assess blood flow to the retina, they could potentially perform a procedure known as fluorescein angiography. This entails capturing pictures of the back of the eye, enlarging the pupil with medication drops, and applying fluorescein, a unique dye. Fluorescein is injected into the arm vein by the doctors.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to lower your blood pressure, which is usually accomplished through lifestyle changes and/or medication. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs by your provider.
Lifestyle changes include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Following a heart-healthy diet, with a particular focus on salt reduction.
- Exercising regularly (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, such as walking).
- Limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
If you require blood pressure medication, your provider will explain the different types and amounts. It is critical to follow their advice on how and when to take your medications. Never stop taking prescription medications without first talking to your physician.
Diet
- Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks should be avoided.
- Include potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach.
- Consume nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
- Consume healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, and fatty seafood.
- Reduce your consumption of saturated fats found in red meat and full-fat dairy products.
Prevention
- Consume a well-balanced diet.
- If you are overweight, lose weight
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Don’t drink more than what is recommended.
Also, Read Complete Guide on Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
