Hypertension

Definition

Blood pressure is the result of two forces, one created by the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries, and the other created by the arterial blood vessels as they exert resistance to the blood flow from the heart.

Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, indicates that the heart is working harder than normal, putting both the heart and the arteries under a greater strain. This may contribute to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and atherosclerosis. If high blood pressure isn't treated, the heart may have to work progressively harder to pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's organs and tissues to meet their needs.

Because the eye is the only part of the body in which blood vessels can be viewed without invasive techniques, sometimes hypertension (which affects the body's entire circulatory system) can be diagnosed during an eye exam. Hypertensive eye disease can lead to blocked arteries in the eye, which can cause damage to the retina.

Symptoms

Hypertension usually has no symptoms, although blurred vision can occur when blood pressure is extremely high.

Treatment

Treating hypertensive eye disease really means treating hypertension itself. The key to preventing hypertensive eye disease is early detection and prompt treatment of high blood pressure. Once it has occurred, damage to the eyes from hypertension is not easily treated, though some complications such as a blocked vein may be treated by laser.

Clinic Information

For more information, see the Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic listing at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center.