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Can Blurred Vision From High Blood Pressure Be Reversed

Seeing Spots: Common Questions & Answers

Blurry vision, brain fog, and increased ocular pressure, due to Intracranial Hypertension

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what happens when spots occur in your line of vision:

When should I worry about eye floaters?

Most floaters and occasional flashes are not cause for concern. They may happen from time to time in both eyes or in the same eye.

But if you are noticing that you are seeing a lot more floaters than before or you are experiencing floaters and flashes with other vision problems, you should consult a doctor.

For example, if you start seeing spots after an eye or head injury from contact sports, you should also talk to a doctor.

Is seeing black spots a sign of diabetes?

These spots could be a sign of vitreous hemorrhage, which is a complication of diabetic retinopathy.

Can low blood pressure cause you to see spots?

Yes, low blood pressure can cause you to see spots.

Can high blood pressure cause you to see spots?

Yes, high blood pressure can cause you to see spots. High blood pressure can damage the light-sensitive tissue in your retina, which can lead to bleeding in your eye.4 Bleeding can cause you to see spots. It can also lead to a loss of vision.

Why am I dizzy and seeing spots?

You may be dizzy and see spots for several reasons. This may be because of an eye or head trauma, because you have low blood pressure, or for another reason. If you are seeing spots, call for medical help immediately.

In this article

Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Prevented Or Avoided

The best way to prevent diabetic retinopathy is to work with your doctor to manage your diabetes. You should also have your eyes checked regularlyat least once a year. Your doctor can tell you if you should have them checked more often.

Tips for preventing diabetic retinopathy:

  • Control your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
  • See your family doctor regularly.

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What Can You Do To Protect Your Vision And Your Whole Self In Case Of High Blood Pressure

Early intervention is critical, and routine eye exams are part of that. If you start treating high blood pressure early with a combination of good nutrition, regular exercise, and medication prescribed by your doctor, it improves your entire outlook, limiting the damage to the blood vessels that can cause vision problems.

Are you concerned about the impact of high blood pressure on your vision, or are you experiencing vision problems? Contact us to schedule an eye exam today.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Eye Damage Due To Hypertension

The eye damage due to hypertension is gradual, and in many cases, it is painless. Hence, individuals may not seek treatment immediately. It is prudent to be vigilant. The following are warning signs of eye disease in individuals with hypertension:

  • A gradual diminishing of vision
  • Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
  • Seeing double images

Can High Blood Pressure Impact Your Vision

Holistic Doctor Temple City

High blood pressure affects a great many Americans. For one thing, men suffer from it at higher rates than women , so your gender might play a factor in whether youre at risk. This risk shouldnt be ignored. In 2017, 500,000 people died with high blood pressure serving as a contributing cause.

Because it can be life-threatening, people do what they can to manage it. But one thing patients might not expect is the way it affects your eyes. Sometimes patients find that out during a routine eye exam, which isnt ideal. High blood pressure, medication, or diseases with high blood pressure playing a part can all impact eye health, and it helps to know the risks early.

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Can High Blood Pressure Hurt My Eyes

  • Related Resources – Can High Blood Pressure Hurt My Eyes?
  • Unfortunately, yes. Suffering from untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure for a long time can be detrimental to your eyes. Several eye diseases are directly or indirectly caused by high blood pressure . Various hypertension-induced eye damages include:

    • Hypertensive retinopathy: Retinopathy means damage to the retina. The retina is the pigmented part at the back of the eye where the image is projected and then, transferred to the brain. High blood pressure can cause loss of retinal blood supply and damage to its cells resulting in vision loss.
    • Choroidopathy: Choroid is the collection of blood vessels that supplies blood to the retina. Choroidopathy is built up of fluid in the choroid that lies below the retina. This condition typically occurs in young individuals who experience a sudden episode of the spike in blood pressure. This may be seen in preeclampsia , renal hypertension, as well as in cases of tumors secreting substances that can cause blood pressure to rise dangerously.
    • Optic neuropathy: Damage to the optic nerve is seen in untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure. Optic neuropathy may also be seen if hypertension is overtreated causing episodes of low blood pressure. Neuropathy is the most delirious effect of hypertension and can cause permanent blindness.

    High Blood Pressure Symptoms You Can Reverse Naturally

    By Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN

    What if I told you that a health condition affects about 72 million or one out of every three American adults under old guidelines? And what if I told you that under new guidelines, that number will rise to about 103 Americans? Im talking about a highly common, yet preventable, condition called high blood pressure, also known as hypertension which is why you need to pay attention if you have high blood pressure symptoms.

    High blood pressure isnt just a problem in and of itself, but it also leads to other dangerous health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, chronic heart failure and kidney disease.

    Did you know that most people with high blood pressure or hypertension have no symptoms, even when their blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels? In fact, about many U.S. adults with high blood pressure still doesnt know they have it. Scary, I know.

    The good news is that even mainstream medicine will agree with me when I say that diet and exercise are the most important tools for preventing and treating high blood pressure naturally and successfully.

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    When Should I See My Healthcare Provider

    Preeclampsia can be a fatal condition during pregnancy. If you’re being treated for this condition, make sure to see your healthcare provider for all of your appointments and blood or urine tests. Contact your obstetrician if you have any concerns or questions about your symptoms.

    Go to the nearest hospital if you’re pregnant and experience the following:

    • Symptoms of a seizure-like twitching or convulsing.
    • Shortness of breath.
    • Severe headache that won’t go away.
    • Dark spots in your vision that don’t go away.

    High Blood Pressure Medication

    High blood pressure in pregnancy can lead to pre-eclampsia condition

    High blood pressure meds are also known as hypertension medication. They have beta-blockers work in the bloodstream to counteract high blood pressure. But they can harm the lacrimal gland, leading to dry eye symptoms. Beta-blockers also seem to disrupt feeling in the cornea and can lead to overall eye irritation.

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    How Is Hypertensive Retinopathy Diagnosed

    An eye care professional can diagnose hypertensive retinopathy. Using an ophthalmoscope, an instrument that projects light to examine the back of the eyeball, the doctor will look for signs of retinopathy that include:

    • Narrowing of blood vessels
    • Spots on the retina known as cotton wool spots and exudates
    • Swelling of the macula and optic nerve
    • Bleeding in the back of the eye

    What To Do To Reduce The Impact Of High Blood Pressure On Your Eyes

    If you have high blood pressure, your GP might recommend that you take antihypertensive medications to bring your blood pressure numbers down. There are also a number of lifestyle changes you can try that can lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of health problems, including heart disease and eye complications. These may help you avoid, delay, or reduce the need for antihypertensive therapy:13

    Maintain a healthy BMI

    Get regular exercise, at least 30 minutes most days of the week

    Eat a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy

    Reduce salt intake

    Limit alcohol consumption to moderate amounts

    Quit smoking

    Cut back on caffeine

    Reduce mental stress

    It can also be useful to monitor your blood pressure at home and see your doctor periodically for health checks. Ultimately, a proactive approach to blood pressure management can help prevent many of the eye complications of hypertension, such as glaucoma. If you think your blood pressure may be high, its important to seek advice from your GP.

    If youve been having any problems with your eyesight, book an appointment at your local Specsavers.

    For more information on glaucoma causes, you can find it in our dedicated glaucoma causes resource.

    References

    Andy BrittonBSc MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Dip TP

    Andy graduated from Aston University in 1996 and has practiced in all areas, including university and hospital clinics. He has a strong Read more

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    Eye Changes When You Come Down With Diabetes

    Changes in vision may happen at the time that diabetes is first diagnosed or at any time that blood sugar control is poor. Fluctuating blood sugars cause the lens to swell and shrink, and result in fluctuating vision. Many times, people who have borderline diabetes finally decide to take their diabetes seriously when their vision becomes blurred.

    Sometimes, people coming down with diabetes marvel that they no longer need their glasses to see in the distance. But as insulin or other therapy is begun and the blood sugar drops, the abnormal swelling diminishes. In the short-term vision becomes blurred and is not corrected by their prescription lenses. Either of these scenarios can be frightening to people who have heard of the severe eye damage that goes along with diabetes.

    Blurred vision in both eyes when insulin or other treatment begins is almost never caused by damage to the eye. Rather, it results from the speed at which the swelling, due to high blood sugars in the previous weeks and months, dissipates from the lens. Vision is usually out of sync for 3 to 4 weeks, sometimes with an accompanying headache.

    High Blood Pressure And Vision Disturbance

    Holistic Doctor Avalon

    Any change to your vision could be an indication of hypertensive retinopathy. Increased pressure in the eyes can damage the blood vessels and surrounding tissues over time, leading to various vision changes, including blurring, eye floaters and seeing double.

    If you experience any symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy, your doctor may decide to carry out an eye exam called a fundoscopy.

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    How High Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Vision

    High blood pressure usually does not present noticeable symptoms, and often the only way to know if you have it is to have consistent blood pressure tests. Hypertension can affect different parts of the body, including the eyes. Hypertensive retinopathy can lead to damage to the optic nerve and cause short- and long-term blindness.

    Precautions For Reducing The Risk Of Diabetic Retinopathy

    Reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, or you can also help stop this condition from getting worse, by maintaining the blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels at optimal levels. In order to avoid Diabetic Retinopathy make the choice of a healthy lifestyle like eating balanced meals, regular exercise, avoiding smoking etc.

    Do not miss your regular eye-examinations as many eye complications can be detected early through such screening and vision loss can be prevented. With treatment diabetic retinopathy can be reversed to an extent. But the best thing is to prevent it with early diagnosis.

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    Elderly Patients Are Often Taking Medications For Osteoporosis Erectile Dysfunction And Prostate Conditions That Are Known To Have Ocular Side Effects

    Bisphosphonates

    Episcleritis caused by osteoporosis medications.

    Cyclosporine and TacrolimusMinocyclineHydroxychloroquineEthambutolTopiramateTamsulosinAmiodaroneAnticholinergicsErectile Dysfunction Drugs

    “Patients who take also have other reasons to get ischemic optic neuropathy. But patients who use these drugsespecially those who have vision in only one eyeare entitled to know that they may be at risk for this condition.” Jonathan D. Trobe, MD

    Blood Pressure Medications

    Aggressive management of blood pressure, especially with diuretics or calcium channel blockers, may contribute to open-angle glaucoma.

    Herbal Medications1. Santaella RM, Fraunfelder FW. Ocular adverse effects associated with systemic medications: recognition and management. Drugs 2007 67:75-93.2. Kapoor KG, Mirza SN, Gonzales JA, Gibran SK. Visual loss associated with tacrolimus: Case report and review of the literature. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2010 29:137-139.3. Tehrani R, Ostrowski RA, Hariman R, Jay WM. Ocular toxicity of hydroxychloroquine. Semin Ophthalmol 2008 23:201-209.4. Talbert Estin KA, Sadun AA. Risk factors for ethambutol optic toxicity. Int Ophthalmol 2010 30:63-72.5. Ozturk BT, Genc E, Tokgoz M, Kerimoglu H, Genc BO. Ocular changes associated with topiramate. Curr Eye Res 2011 36:47-52.6. Azzouni F, Abu Samra K. Are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors associated with vision-threatening adverse events? A critical analysis and review of the literature. J Sex Med 2011 Jul 19. .

    Related Diabetic Eye Diseases

    Low Blood Pressure or Hypotension, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

    Glaucoma and cataracts are also considered diabetic eye diseases.

    • Glaucoma risk is nearly double in diabetics. Aside from blurry vision, symptoms also include loss of vision, halos around lights, eye pain, red eyes, and vomiting.
    • Cataracts tend to develop earlier in diabetics, and the risk is two to five times higher. Blurry vision, faded vision, double vision, halos, and sensitivity to light are all symptoms.

    The good news is that early detection and treatment reduces your risk of going blind by a whopping 95%.

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    Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed

    Type 2 diabetes can be a life-long, chronic disease in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells in out body doesnt respond to insulin correctly. Because of these two problems, there isnt enough insulin to move the glucose from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, the bodys cells cant function properly.

    Type 2 diabetes is more likely to occur in people who are over the age of 40, overweight, or have a family history in diabetes. Certain ethnic and racial groups also have higher risk for type 2 diabetes, including black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American and Pacific Islander. However, over the past decade the incidence of type2 diabetes has been increasing in adolescents and the young adult population.

    According to recent research, type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but individuals can have glucose levels that return to non-diabetes range, or pre-diabetes glucose level The primary means by which people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission is by losing significant amounts of weight.

    We talk of remission and not a cure because it isnt permanent. The beta cells have been damaged and the underlying genetic factors contributing to the persons susceptibility to diabetes remain intact. Over time the disease process reasserts itself and continued destruction of the beta cells ensues. An environmental insult such as weight gain can bring back the symptomatic glucose intolerance.

    High Blood Pressure Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

    Hypertension or high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and it is the number two cause of kidney failure in the US. Worldwide. Over 1 billion people have hypertension, and in the United States, 46% of adults over the age of 20 have high blood pressure. Yet only half of these hypertensive patients have their blood pressure under control. In order to solve a problem, you must first recognize if you have one. So today, I’m going to give you 10 high blood pressure symptoms you should never ignore.

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    Stages Of Hypertensive Retinopathy

    Vasoconstrictive Phase: In this stage, the local auto-regulatory mechanism causes vasospasm and narrowing of retinal arteries.

    Sclerotic Phase: Prolonged increase in blood pressure causes several changes in the blood vessel wall such as thickening of the intima layer, hyperplasia of the media layer and hyaline degeneration of the entire arteriolar wall. These changes result in widening and accentuation of light reflex, arteriovenous crossing changes, and arteriolar narrowing.

    Exudative Phase: In patients with severe hypertension, the exudative phase is observed. It is distinguished by the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, disruption of the auto-regulatory mechanisms because of the leakage of plasma and blood into the vessel wall. In this phase, retinal signs occur like necrosis of smooth muscle cells, retinal hemorrhage, hard exudate formation, and cotton-wool spots.

    Malignant Hypertension: Chronic intracranial hypertension results in ischemia of optic nerve and edema. Also, it leads to fibrinoid necrosis of choroidal arterioles. It causes segmental infarction of choriocapillaris leading to choroidopathy signs such as Siegrists streak, Elschnigs spots, and Neurosensory RPE detachments.

    For some cases, administering injections to the eye can be helpful to control swelling of the retina. In patients with macular edema, injections can help to preserve vision. For those who have a retinal detachment, reattachment of the retina or its repair is carried out via surgery.

    What Is Hypertensive Retinopathy Fundoscopy

    Holistic Doctor Lancaster

    A fundoscopy is an eye examination where an ophthalmologist or doctor uses an ophthalmoscope or slit-lamp microscope to visualise the back of the eye. The retina, optic nerve and blood vessels become visible .

    Fundus photography can help diagnose hypertensive retinopathy or other medical conditions that affect the vascular system, like diabetes and endocarditis . Your doctor may also use other diagnostic ophthalmology tests called fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography angiography .

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