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Hypertension, or high blood pressure, has become more widespread in recent years, mainly due to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles. Often referred to as a silent killer, high blood pressure frequently goes unnoticed until it leads to serious problems. If not treated, hypertension can increase the likelihood of various severe health issues. When blood pressure pushes too hard against the walls of your arteries, it can harm both your arteries and organs, raising the chances of heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, and other complications. While many are aware that hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, fewer know how poorly managed blood pressure can impact the eyes. To learn more about this connection, we consulted Dr. Pawan Gupta, a senior cataract and retina surgeon at Eye 7 Hospital, Lajpat Nagar, and Vision Eye Clinic, New Delhi.

High blood pressure can harm the eyes, especially the retina, which is the layer of tissue inside the eye that detects light and is crucial for clear vision. "If your blood pressure stays high for a long time, the blood vessels in your retina will face constant pressure. This can cause the vessels to thicken or narrow, or even break, which means they may not supply blood to your retina as effectively as before, though some blood flow will likely continue," he stated.

"This leads to a condition called hypertensive retinopathy, which often starts without any visible signs of how your vision may be impacted by high blood pressure," he added. Dr. Gupta explained that this damage can cause fluid or blood to leak from the retinal blood vessels, leading to swelling in the retina, blurred vision, or even loss of vision if there is a lot of blood or excessive bleeding.

Moreover, high blood pressure can lead to swelling of the optic nerve, known as optic neuropathy, adding further pressure on the affected individual. Hypertension may also help form blood clots in the retina's blood vessels, resulting in retinal artery or vein blockage. This situation is categorized as a medical emergency, and if not addressed promptly, it could lead to permanent blindness. "The dangers posed by high blood pressure are worsened by the fact that many people are unaware of how much this condition can affect their vision," Dr. Gupta mentioned.

The specialist advises regular eye exams, especially for people over 40 or those already diagnosed with high blood pressure. Through routine retinal checks, eye care specialists can catch potential signs of hypertension in the eyes well before any noticeable symptoms appear.

Managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication can help maintain and enhance vision and prevent long-term damage to the retina.