Stress Less: Everything You Need to Know About Hypertensive Retinopathy

There are 75 million adults in the U.S. suffer from high blood pressure. Hypertension can take quite the toll on your body. The chances of heart attack or stroke are increased, which is why they call it the ‘silent killer.’

And that isn’t all. If you have high blood pressure, you might also develop hypertensive retinopathy. What is hypertensive retinopathy? Continue reading for more information about this serious medical disorder.

What is Hypertensive Retinopathy?

We’ve already mentioned some of the other health risks of having high blood pressure. The other risk you face if you continue to have high blood pressure is damage to the retina.

This will happen when blood vessels in the eye are damaged by hypertension. Optic nerve pressure and swelling of the retina are some ways hypertensive retinopathy can affect sight.

Several factors can increase your likelihood of getting HR:

• Hypertension
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Unhealthy eating
• High Cholesterol

The sooner you cut out these factors, the sooner you can limit your chance of getting HR. Talk to a doctor if you need help with any of these health problems.

What Are Hypertensive Retinopathy Symptoms?

Not everyone experiences symptoms in the earlier stages of this disease. Though, here are some signs you could be facing hypertensive retinopathy.

• Burst blood vessels outside of the eye
• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Swollen eyes
• Headaches with any of these symptoms

Also, pay close attention if you have abnormally high blood pressure. If any of these symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.

Hypertensive Retinopathy Treatment

If you think you may have HR, you’re likely wondering how to treat it.

First, you’ll need to visit an ophthalmologist to find out more about the disease itself. They’ll run tests to double check the origin of your symptoms, and then they’ll make a plan.

In most cases, HR’s treatment targets the core of the problem. That problem is high blood pressure. Until you can lower the levels of hypertension, you can’t address the symptoms of it. Doctors will likely give you medications that target hypertension.

If the severity of your HR hasn’t reached the point of no return, your eyes should be able to heal. Through the help of medication, your body should heal your retina in time.

How You Can Help Prevent Hypertensive Retinopathy

Prevention is key when it comes to HR:

• Stop smoking
• Lose weight
• Limit stress
• Eat healthily
• Get exercise

It’s also critical to have regular eye exams if you do suffer from hypertension. The sooner you detect hypertensive retinopathy, the better.

AV Eye Care

Hypertension in itself is a dangerous condition. But when it turns into hypertensive retinopathy, it’s even worse.

If you’ve experienced symptoms of HR, you’re likely scared of the implications. But you’re not alone. Visit an ophthalmologist at AV Eye Care to get the diagnosis and treatment you need. Contact us today and make the appointment that could save your eyes.