Managing High Blood Pressure: Can Medication Improve Vision Issues?

Hypertension, blurred vision, dizziness?

Hello Doctor: My father is 62 years old and has hypertension.
He has been on medication for a month, but his blood pressure remains around 170, compared to 180-200 last month.
He will return to the doctor next week for medication adjustment.
Recently, he has occasionally reported blurred vision and seeing double.
I would like to ask if visiting an ophthalmologist for vision issues related to high blood pressure can be improved with medication.
He is quite resistant to going to the hospital; previously, he avoided seeking treatment, which is why his blood pressure has only recently been addressed.
His vision occasionally becomes blurry but returns to normal after a while.
He seems to experience dizziness more often after showering.
He recently underwent a free national health check-up, which showed mostly normal results, with no diabetes but high cholesterol.
He previously consulted a cardiologist, who advised him to control his blood pressure.
I am now more concerned about his vision issues.
Thank you for your response!

Xiao Yi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/19

Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine

Long-term high blood pressure can potentially lead to eye diseases.
It is recommended that you take your father to an ophthalmologist for an evaluation to determine if there are any hypertension-related eye conditions, in order to facilitate early treatment.

Reply Date: 2015/07/19

More Info

Managing high blood pressure is crucial not only for overall health but also for maintaining good vision. Your father's situation, with blood pressure readings consistently around 170 mmHg, is concerning and could indeed be impacting his vision. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to various eye problems, including hypertensive retinopathy, which can cause blurred vision and other visual disturbances.

When blood pressure is elevated, it can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to changes in the retina and potentially causing vision issues. The symptoms your father is experiencing, such as blurred vision and seeing double, could be linked to his high blood pressure. These symptoms may occur intermittently, as you mentioned, and can be exacerbated by sudden changes in blood pressure or other factors like stress or fatigue.

In terms of treatment, managing high blood pressure through medication can indeed help improve vision issues related to hypertension. Once blood pressure is controlled, the risk of further damage to the eyes decreases, and any existing symptoms may improve. It's essential for your father to follow up with his healthcare provider to adjust his medication as needed. If he is resistant to visiting the doctor, you might consider discussing the importance of regular check-ups and how they can lead to better health outcomes, including improved vision.

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can also play a significant role in managing blood pressure. Encouraging your father to adopt a heart-healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and limit alcohol intake can contribute to better blood pressure control. Reducing sodium intake is particularly important, as high sodium levels can exacerbate hypertension.

Regarding the dizziness your father experiences, especially after bathing, this could be related to changes in blood pressure when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension) or could be a side effect of his blood pressure medications. It’s crucial to discuss these symptoms with his doctor, as they may need to adjust his treatment plan.

As for the eye issues, it would be advisable for your father to see an eye specialist. An ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess any damage caused by high blood pressure and provide appropriate treatment options. They can also determine if there are any other underlying conditions affecting his vision.

In summary, managing high blood pressure through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your father's vision issues. Regular follow-ups with his healthcare provider and an eye specialist are essential to monitor his condition and make necessary adjustments to his treatment plan. Encouraging him to prioritize his health and seek medical attention will ultimately lead to better outcomes for both his blood pressure and vision.

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We recommend that you discuss the above situation with your attending physician during your follow-up appointment. Thank you, and wish you good health!