High blood pressure, or hypertension, is very common and often has no symptoms. Your eyes are one of the few places where doctors can see your blood vessels directly, so an eye exam can reveal its effects.
How blood pressure affects the eyes
- Hypertensive retinopathy. Narrowing, bleeding and swelling in the retinal blood vessels.
- Retinal vein occlusion. A blocked vein causing sudden blurred vision in one eye.
- Retinal artery occlusion. A blocked artery causing sudden, painless vision loss. This is an emergency, similar to a stroke.
- Optic nerve damage in very high blood pressure.
Warning signs
- Sudden blurred or lost vision in one eye
- Headache with visual disturbance
Seek urgent care for either.
Protecting your eyes
- Check your blood pressure regularly and take medicines as prescribed
- Reduce salt, stay active, stop smoking and limit alcohol
- Have regular eye check-ups, especially if you also have diabetes
Frequently asked questions
Can an eye test detect high blood pressure?
Eye changes can suggest high blood pressure, but it is diagnosed by measuring blood pressure. We may advise you to see your physician.
Will treating blood pressure fix eye damage?
Early changes can improve with control, but some damage may be permanent, so prevention matters.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.