If you see your doctor, you may be asked to roll up your sleeve to have your blood pressure checked. It is a simple and effective method for monitoring cardiovascular health.
What you may not know is that there is another routine that can help doctors check your blood pressure. It's your annual eye exam. By looking at the blood vessels in the retina of your eyes, your ophthalmologist may look for signs of high blood pressure, also called hypertension.
The importance of detecting the "silent illness"
Because many people with this condition do not experience symptoms, high blood pressure is referred to as a "silent illness". According to the American Heart Association, 76.4 million adults in the United States are affected. (1) Nevertheless, not every fifth does. You even know that they have it. (2) Since high blood pressure can affect so many vital parts of the body, including the arteries, veins, heart, brain and kidneys, early detection and treatment is particularly important.
How can high blood pressure affect your eyesight?
Blood vessels not only carry blood to and from your heart, but also to your eyes. Due to their enormous need for oxygen, tiny blood vessels above and below the retina of the eye can be easily damaged by hypertension. In a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist examines the many subtle changes that blood pressure causes on the retina. This condition is known as hypertensive retinopathy. The obstruction of the veins and arteries in the retina may be temporary or permanent.
Hypertension is also associated with choroidopathy, which occurs when fluid accumulates under the retina. The most common symptom of choroidopathy is visual disturbances.
Optic neuropathy is another visual disorder associated with high blood pressure. It can be caused by blockage of blood flow. Lack of blood supply can cause nerve damage that leads to the death of the receptor cells in the retina and lead to vision loss and / or blindness.
Take care of your heart and your eyes
By having a healthy lifestyle, you can help to avoid risk factors that affect heart health and vision.
Do sports regularly
Maintain a proper weight
Eat a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and soluble fiber
Consult your doctor before starting a training or diet program. If you see any changes in your eye health that indicate a high blood pressure, your ophthalmologist may work with your family doctor to make sure that you are treated appropriately and on time.
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