Health Tips: Having a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is called hypertension!

Having a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is called hypertension. This is a common but serious condition that affects the arteries of the body. In this condition, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. Due to this the heart and kidneys start weakening. But its effect is not limited to this only.

Dr. Dheeraj Gupta, Senior Consultant-Ophthalmology, Maringo Asia Hospital, Gurugram explains that high blood pressure can have a serious effect on your eyes, causing many conditions. This includes poor vision to complete loss of vision. These 5 types of eye diseases can occur mainly due to high BP.

Hypertensive Retinopathy 

Hypertensive retinopathy occurs when high blood pressure damages the blood vessels of the retina (the back layer inside the eye). In this, the patient does not see any symptoms until he starts having trouble seeing.

Choroidopathy

Choroidopathy is a condition in which high blood pressure causes fluid to accumulate under the retina. In this, the patient cannot see things straight, and along with blurred vision, objects may appear small or far away.

Optic Neuropathy

In optic neuropathy, due to high blood pressure, the optic nerve, which sends image signals to the brain, starts getting damaged. Due to this, vision problems or permanent loss of eyesight can occur. 

Retinal Artery Occlusion

In this, high blood pressure obstructs blood circulation in the retina of the eyes. In this, the patient may suddenly lose vision in one eye.

Glaucoma 

High blood pressure can contribute to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), which is a risk factor for glaucoma. It causes gradual loss of vision. If prompt treatment is not received, vision can be lost permanently.

This is how you can identify high BP causing damage to your eyes

Blurred vision

Double vision

Sudden loss of vision

Headache

Eye pain

Preventive measures and management 

Monitor blood pressure regularly. If it is lower or higher than normal, maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Also, get your eyes checked regularly to detect early symptoms of eye disease caused by hypertension.