High Blood Pressure and Eye Health

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common condition affecting around one in three UK adults. While it’s well known for increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, it can also have a significant impact on your eyes and vision.

High blood pressure damages the delicate network of tiny blood vessels that supply the retina – the part of your eye responsible for processing light and sending signals to your brain. When these blood vessels become narrowed, damaged, or begin to leak, it can lead to a condition called hypertensive retinopathy. Over time, this can affect your sight and, in severe cases, cause permanent vision loss.

Often, there are no early warning signs. Some people may experience blurred or double vision, sudden vision loss, eye pain, headaches, or seeing small spots or floaters. These changes can also be linked to other serious eye conditions, which is why it’s important to consult an optometrist or GP if your vision changes unexpectedly. Regular eye health checks can often detect damage early, even before you notice any symptoms.

High blood pressure can also increase the risk of other eye problems such as retinal vein occlusion (a blockage of the veins in the retina, often causing sudden vision loss), optic neuropathy (reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, which may lead to permanent vision loss) and choroidopathy (fluid build-up under the retina, which can cause distorted vision).

The good news is that controlling your blood pressure reduces the risk of these complications and helps protect your vision. Regular eye tests are essential, as they can detect early signs of high blood pressure damage before you notice changes to your sight. Taking blood pressure medication as prescribed, following a healthy lifestyle, eating more fruit and vegetables, reducing salt, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking all help to keep your eyes and overall health in better condition.

If you experience sudden changes in your vision, seek urgent medical advice.

Even without symptoms, regular eye examinations are an important part of looking after your eye health, especially if you are over 40 or have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. If you are considering treatments such as cataract surgery, maintaining healthy blood pressure and eye health is even more important.

High blood pressure doesn’t just affect your heart, it can also damage your eyes, sometimes permanently. The best way to protect your vision is to keep your blood pressure under control and attend regular eye exams.