Over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to the retina’s blood vessels, limit the retina’s function, and put pressure on the optic nerve, causing vision problems. This condition is called hypertensive retinopathy (HR). Symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy You probably won’t have any symptoms until the condition has progressed extensively. Possible signs and symptoms include:
* reduced vision
* eye swelling
* bursting of a blood vessel
* double vision accompanied by headaches Causes Prolonged high blood pressure, or hypertension, is the main cause of HR.
Risk factors for hypertensive retinopathy
The following conditions put you at a higher risk for HR:
* prolonged high blood pressure
* heart disease
* atherosclerosis
* diabetes
* smoking
* high cholesterol
* being overweight
* eating an unhealthy diet that’s high in fat proteins, trans fats, sugary foods, and sodium
* heavy alcohol consumption
