High Blood Pressure and Our Eyes

Systemic Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common disease in the United States. Generally, hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. It can have an affect on all of the body’s blood vessels, including those in the retina, which lines inside of the eyes.

When the blood pressure is chronically or acutely elevated, the arterioles narrow and may compress the veins. In severely high blood pressure, blood and lipid leakage may be seen.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, a yearly visit to your optometrist is important to rule out these findings.