High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension, can be seen in our eyes. In fact, there are over 400 systemic diseases that your Optometrist can see in your eyes. This is why dilations are such an important part of an eye examination at any age.
Hypertension can cause swelling or bleeding inside our eyes. In severe or uncontrolled hypertensive cases, the optic nerves can swell. Sometimes, vision is not affected. A patient may not know that their blood pressure is uncontrolled. You do not necessarily feel bad when your blood pressure is high.
A proper referral to a retinal specialist and your cardiologist or primary care physician can be made to control your blood pressure and possibly save your life.
If you know you have high blood pressure or are taking medications to control your blood pressure, then you should schedule an appointment with your Optometrist for a health check of your eyes.
Patients often think that high pressure in the eyes is the same as high blood pressure. They are completely different entities. High pressure in the eyes is commonly known as glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease where the fluid inside the eyes builds up a pressure because either too much fluid is being created by the eye or the drain of the eye is clogged. In either case, the pressure in the eye pushes on the nerves, slowly killing them. This is a very slow process because we have millions of nerves in our eyes. After about 50 percent of our nerves are killed, we start experiencing a loss of vision. It is better to catch glaucoma before the loss of vision so we have a better chance of preserving vision.
Annual eye exams are important at any age. Dilations and checking eye pressure are also routinely advised. Optometrists are primary care physicians. You should check your eye health even if you think your vision has not changed in two years or you say to yourself, “I don’t need glasses.” We do more than just prescribe glasses and contacts.
For more information or questions, please feel free to call 20/20 Optometric Eye Care 661-287-3939.