Hypertensive Retinopathy

Damage to the retina from high blood pressure (hypertension) is called hypertensive retinopathy. Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the area at the back of the eye where images focus. The damage can be serious if hypertension is not treated.

Signs and Symptoms

• Headaches
• Visual disturbances

Detection and Diagnosis

Our doctors can see narrowing of blood vessels and excess fluid oozing from blood vessels with the ophthalmoscope. The degree of retina damage (retinopathy) is graded on a scale of I to IV. At grade I, no symptoms may be present. Grade IV hypertensive retinopathy includes swelling of the optic nerve and visual center of the retina (macula), which can cause decreased vision.

Treatment

Control of high blood pressure (hypertension) is the only treatment for hypertensive retinopathy. Patients with severe (grade IV)hypertensive retinopathy frequently have associated cardiac and kidney complications of high blood pressure. The retina will generally recover well if the blood pressure is controlled, but some patients with grade IV hypertensive retinopathy will have permanent damage to the optic nerve or macula.