Our eyes are like special cameras that help us see the world around us.
Did you know that two common health problems, high blood pressure (the one that makes your heart work too hard) and high blood sugar (diabetes), can actually harm these precious cameras?
Hypertension and your eyes:
Hypertension is like when there is too much force pushing against the pipes in your body. When this happens, the tiny pipes in your eyes can get hurt. This can cause a problem called “hypertensive retinopathy”. This condition occurs due to the prolonged elevation of blood pressure, which damages the delicate blood vessels nourishing the retina—the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. As these vessels become compromised, they may leak fluid or blood into the retina, leading to visual disturbances and, in severe cases, permanent vision loss.
Hypertension also increases the risk of other vision complications such as retinal artery or vein occlusion, where the blood flow to the retina is disrupted, resulting in sudden vision loss in the affected area. Additionally, hypertensive optic neuropathy can occur, characterized by damage to the optic nerve; due to inadequate blood supply, leading to irreversible vision impairment.
Diabetes and Eye Troubles:
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic high blood sugar. This can also hurt your eyes. It can cause something called “diabetic retinopathy,” where the tiny blood vessels in your eye get damaged. At first, you might not notice anything wrong. But over time, your vision can get blurry or you might see strange shapes. If it gets really bad, you could lose your sight.
Diabetes also increases the risk of developing diabetic macular edema, where fluid accumulates in the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision (macular) resulting in distorted or blurred vision. Diabetic patients are also predisposed to cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, and glaucoma, a group of diseases characterized by optic nerve damage often associated with elevated intraocular pressure.
When High Blood Pressure Meets High Blood Sugar:
Sometimes, people have both hypertension and diabetes. When this happens, it’s even more important to take care of your eyes. Having both of these problems can make your eye troubles worse. It can speed up how fast you lose your sight.
Hypertension and Diabetes are not just problems for your body; they can also hurt your eyes. Early detection, comprehensive management of these conditions, and regular eye examinations are paramount in preserving vision and preventing irreversible blindness. Taking care of your eyes means you can keep seeing all the beautiful things in the world for a long time.
MedCiting 