Sustained high blood pressure (hypertension) leads to damage of the retinal blood vessels and the retina itself.
Clinical Features
Without symptoms in the early stages.
Advanced changes may cause blurred vision.
Examination of the retina shows damage to the blood vessels, leakage of blood and fluid, accumulation of lipid within the retina and patches of damage to the retinal nerves.
Hypertension is also a risk factor for retinal vein occlusions, ischaemic optic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy.
Severe hypertension is often accompanied by headache
Management
Elevated blood pressure sufficient to cause hypertensive retinopathy requires investigation and management with the GP, urgently if there is any reduction in vision
