What is hypertensive retinopathy?
Hypertensive retinopathy is defined as a set of changes that appear in the back of the eye as a result of high blood pressure. Retinopathy is damage to the retina from lack of blood flow. Diabetic retinopathy is a common form of this condition, but people who struggle with high blood pressure are at risk of hypertensive retinopathy. Like diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy occurs because of damaged blood vessels around the retina, causing tissue damage to this area that, when healthy, sends light signals through the optic nerve to the brain. Dr. Nilesh Giri Is the best retina Specialist in PCMC Pune who is providing treatment on all types of eye diseases.
What are the symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy?
Symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy are sometimes very mild but some experience:
- Decreased vision or blurred vision
- Bursting blood vessels on the outside of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhages)
- Double vision
- eye swelling
Causes of hypertensive retinopathy:
If you have high blood pressure, this can lead to the narrowing of the tiny, delicate vessels that supply blood to the retina. This damage can lead to the loss of clarity in your vision. Other factors can also contribute to hypertensive retinopathy including diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. All of these issues can increase the risk of damage and, potentially, cause vision loss.
Diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy by Dr. Nilesh Giri:
Dr. Nilesh Giri will use an instrument known as an ophthalmoscope to check for any sign that the blood vessels in the eye have narrowed, or whether there are signs of fluid leaking from the blood vessels. Then, he or she will assess the degree of damage. The severity of hypertensive retinopathy varies. Diagnosis is provided in ‘stages’ i.e. Grade 0 to Grade 4.
- Grade 0: No changes
- Grade 1: Barely detectable arterial narrowing
- Grade 2: Obvious arterial narrowing with focal irregularities
- Grade 3: Grade 2 plus retinal hemorrhages, exudates, cotton wool spots, or retinal edema
- Grade 4: Grade 3 plus papilledema
Hypertensive retinopathy Treatment by Dr. Nilesh Giri in PCMC Pune:
Hypertensive retinopathy may not be preventable, but it is manageable as long as you control your blood pressure. Dr. Nilesh Giri is suggesting to make lifestyle changes and take medication that can keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. You should always take medications for your blood pressure as prescribed by Dr. Nilesh Giri. There are no other treatments for hypertensive retinopathy.
