Eye Exam Can Save Your Life
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Hypertension (high blood pressure) is known as a "silent" disease because its victims often lack symptoms. It affects approximately 65 million Americans, and only 34% of them have it under good control. During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor checks for many subtle changes in the retina resulting from high blood pressure, a condition also known as hypertensive retinopathy. These changes to the retina may include:
Some cases of hypertensive retinopathy can threaten your eyesight. As the walls of your arteries thicken, the veins close to your retina become pinched and your eye health is compromised. Vision loss occurs when blood obstructs the retina, the eye is deprived of oxygen or the macula swells. This obstruction can be temporary or permanent and can cause vision loss when a blockage disrupts blood flow in the eye. Education is key to prevention. We want you to know that we care not only about your eye health, but your overall health as well. Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns and don’t forget to schedule your regular care exam for early detection and optimum health. |
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