House Call Eye Care

February 15, 2012

Can my high blood pressure cause high pressure in my eyes and lead to glaucoma?

Hypertension does not commonly cause glaucoma. In rare cases of malignant hypertension with longstanding excessively high blood pressure elevated intraocular pressure may occur in addition to other eye findings. More typically, hypertension may afflict the eyes by causing microscopic bleeding within the retina. This hypertensive retinopathy is detected by ophthalmoscopic eye examination. Hypertension is often asymptomatic, however hypertensive retinal findings can give the first clues of high blood pressure.

Glaucoma is also usually an asymptomatic ophthalmic condition which is associated with elevated intraocular pressure. The risk of glaucoma increases beyond the age of 50 and is more likely if primary family members have also been diagnosed with glaucoma. Three factors are assessed to determine the likelihood of glaucoma during an eye exam: the appearance of the optic nerve, eye pressure, and visual field analysis. If glaucoma has been diagnosed it is readily managed with eye drop medications or office laser procedures. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma is the key to preserving vision.

Annual eye examinations can reveal the first signs of existing medical conditions that a person may be unaware of, therefore it is important to have regular check ups.