What does hypertensive retinopathy look like?
The signs include flame shaped hemorrhages at the disc margin, blurred disc margins, congested retinal veins, papilledema, and secondary macular exudates. Hard exudates can deposit in the macula causing a macular star. Optic nerve pallor is also present in patients with chronic hypertension.
How serious is hypertensive retinopathy?
The condition can lead to symptoms including double or dim vision, loss of vision and headaches. Treating hypertensive retinopathy typically involves controlling high blood pressure through lifestyle changes, medication and careful monitoring. Through this, the condition can be halted, and the damage may slowly heal.
How is hypertensive retinopathy treated?
Your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors. You can control this condition by controlling your blood pressure. If your condition is severe, however, you may have irreversible eye damage that causes permanent vision problems.
Can you go blind from hypertensive retinopathy?
When hypertension affects retina of the eye, hypertensive retinopathy occurs. Hypertension does not impair vision. However, hypertensive retinopathy may cause blockage of arteries or veins supplying blood to the retina. This may result in blindness.
What can you do at home to lower eye pressure?
These tips may help you control high eye pressure or promote eye health.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain your health, but it won’t prevent glaucoma from worsening.
- Exercise safely.
- Limit your caffeine.
- Sip fluids frequently.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Take prescribed medicine.
Can computer screens cause high eye pressure?
A significantly higher percentage of incomplete blinks also has been observed during the use of an electronic display [19]. The resultant dry eye not only causes ocular discomfort but also can contribute to IOP increase.