Consultancy Corner: High BP? A hypertensive retinopathy check-up is a must

Gone are the days when our forefathers toiled in the fields all day, our grandmothers did all the household chores and the children at home did not have swanky gadgets to be couch potatoes. Gone are the days when the kids at home ventured out to play with friends on the not-so-crowded or polluted streets. And, the entire family had good home-made food after a hard day’s work unlike frequent fast foods these days, and hence maintained a healthy lifestyle. The busy lifestyle, technological advancements and stressful workplaces are taking a toll on the mind, body and soul.

Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems have now become a common ailment in almost every household.

Normal blood pressure is defined as an average reading not higher than 120/80 mm Hg. A reading of 140/90 or higher is considered high blood pressure, and anything in between is considered “pre-hypertension”, which does not show clear symptoms. High blood pressure will put you at risk of developing a number of disorders, including those that affect the heart, brain, kidneys, arteries — and the eyes.

Hypertensive retinopathy is the name given to retinal damage, caused as a result of high blood pressure. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that works like ‘film’ in a camera. It plays an important part in a person’s vision that any damage to it is considered serious.

If a person has high blood pressure, it can lead to the narrowing of the tiny, delicate vessels that supply blood to the retina.

This damage can lead to loss of clarity in vision. The higher the BP and the longer it has been elevated, the more damage a person may risk. Other factors, including diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking can also contribute to it. All of these issues can increase the risk of damage and, potentially, cause vision loss.

The only way to treat hypertensive retinopathy is to control blood pressure and ensure that it doesn’t rise too high. Lifestyle modifications and a proper diet along with appropriate drugs help control it.

If a person is suffering from hypertensive retinopathy he/she may not realise it.

These symptoms may indicate the condition: double vision or dimmer-than-usual vision; headaches; visual disturbances, or sudden vision loss.

An eye surgeon will use an ophthalmoscope to check for any sign that the blood vessels in the eyes have narrowed, or whether there are signs of fluid leaking from the blood vessels. Then, he/she will assess the degree of damage.