Establishing routine care with our Nashville eye doctor is just as crucial as scheduling regular physicals with your primary care doctor. Our eyes are windows to our overall health, and regular eye exams can catch problems early, often before they become more serious. This includes high blood pressure, which can drastically affect your overall eye health.
High blood pressure is a pervasive problem in modern society, affecting more than 30% of the adult American population. Not only is hypertension risky for heart-related diseases, but it can drastically affect your eye health and cause a range of issues, from damage to the blood vessels in the retina to more severe conditions like hypertensive retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss. Regular eye exams can detect signs of hypertension and other disease processes early, often before you experience other symptoms. By monitoring your eye health, your eye doctor can also provide valuable insights into your overall cardiovascular health.
If you’re looking for a new Nashville Optometrist, look no further than Music City Optical. Home to the leading Nashville eye doctor, our clinic offers comprehensive eye care, ensuring your eye health is a top priority. We also provide cutting-edge aesthetic services, such as IPL and RF treatments, and an optical boutique with an extensive collection of designer frames and modern glasses. Schedule an appointment with the leading Nashville eye doctor today.
High Blood Pressure & Your Eye Health
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Over time, this increased pressure can lead to various health issues, including heart disease and stroke. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial because hypertension often has no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.
In fact, according to the American Heart Association, your eyes can be one of the first places you’ll notice signs of high blood pressure. If you’ve ever wondered why your primary care doctor is looking at your eyes with a bright light, it’s to look for signs of damaged blood vessels, which can come about due to diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Optometrists look for the same thing during comprehensive eye exams.
If you already have hypertension, it’s essential to manage and monitor your overall health—including your eye health. Hypertension can affect many parts of your body and can even ultimately lead to vision loss. When the delicate blood vessels in your retina get damaged by this pressure, for example, you can end up with hypertensive retinopathy.
Symptoms of hypertensive retinopathy can include things like eye pain, headaches, blurred or double vision, and visual disturbances like floaters or spots. If left untreated, the damage to these blood vessels can lead to complete and permanent vision loss. Recognizing these symptoms early is an important part of protecting your eye health. By scheduling routine visits with a trusted Nashville eye doctor like Music City Optical, you can detect and manage these issues early. Book your appointment today!
