Having high blood pressure – hypertension – is often linked with a future cardiovascular event. Your blood pressure reading is based on two measurements: blood leaving the heart (systolic blood pressure) and blood returning to the heart (diastolic blood pressure).
Also read: What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
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A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure and a person with this may require medical interventions if lifestyle habits cannot bring down the numbers.
There is emerging research focusing on systolic blood pressure and what fluctuations of this number could mean to your heart. As mentioned, blood pressure is often related to heart events, but research is finding that it could play a role in your vision.
Studies have found that patients who experience continuously high systolic blood pressure are 280 percent more likely to develop Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). CRVO causes central vision to become impaired, ultimately leading to vision loss.
Many of the complications that arise from high systolic blood pressure often do not cause symptoms unless the problem is severe – sometimes it may be too late to offer treatment. This is why it’s so important to undergo routine eye exams, which can detect changes to the eyes early on.
Symptoms of CRVO include sudden pain in the eye, sudden vision loss without any pain, and the appearance of dark spots or floaters in your vision.
Common therapies and treatment for CRVO include laser therapy and intravitreal injections.
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The best mode of prevention for central retinal venous occlusion is to maintain healthy blood pressure numbers, especially your systolic numbers. Lifestyle habits and interventions can go a long way in reducing blood pressure, but if these do not help, then you may need a medical intervention to further reduce your blood pressure.
Furthermore, ensure you are going for regular eye examinations in order to detect changes to your eyes early on to avoid the risk of complications.
Also read:
- How to lower blood pressure quickly and naturally
- Top foods to boost your eyesight and vision
- Bulging Eyes (Protruding Eyeballs): Causes, Symptoms, and Exercises
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
