Red eyes can be unsettling. Maybe you’ve noticed them in the mirror after a long day, or a friend has pointed them out. While red eyes can be caused by something as simple as allergies or inflammation, they can sometimes point to a more significant issue—like high blood pressure.
High blood pressure affects the tiny blood vessels near the back of your eyes. This can cause a swollen, bloodshot appearance. In some cases, high blood pressure may even permanently damage the small vessels in your eyes.
However, high blood pressure isn’t the only cause of red eyes. Other conditions can lead to this unusual symptom. If you frequently deal with red eyes, visit your optometrist for a professional diagnosis.
What Causes Red Eyes?
Red eyes happen when the blood vessels on the surface of your eyes become irritated or swollen. This could result from something as common as lack of sleep, allergies, or dryness. If you live in an area where you’re frequently exposed to smoke, pollution, or even pollen, these environmental factors could contribute as well.
However, if red eyes seem to appear out of nowhere, it’s worth investigating. This is often a sign of severe inflammation in the eye or underlying eye conditions. If left untreated, this could potentially cause vision problems—and permanent damage in some cases.
How High Blood Pressure Affects Eye Health
When thinking of high blood pressure, also called hypertension, most people already know it strains the heart. It forces your heart to work harder and can lead to a wide range of problems if left unaddressed. But high blood pressure also affects the small vessels throughout your body—including your eyes.
When you frequently have high blood pressure, it puts additional strain on delicate systems. One specific issue caused by hypertension is something called hypertensive retinopathy—damage to the blood vessels on the retina.
Signs of Hypertensive Retinopathy
When the delicate blood vessels are damaged, they can become leaky or swollen, which results in visible redness or spots in your eyes. This leads to:
- Blurred vision
- Eye swelling
- Reduced or lost vision
- Appearance of floaters or spots
If your red eyes persist and you have high blood pressure, don’t ignore it. Catching problems like hypertensive retinopathy early helps you prevent further problems.
When to Be Concerned About Red Eyes
It’s one thing to wake up with red eyes after a long night every now and then. Some cases of red eyes are harmless, while others warrant a visit to your optometrist. So how do you know when it’s time to act?
Here are a few warning signs to look out for:
- Persistent redness that doesn’t improve after a day or two.
- Redness accompanied by changes in vision, like blurriness or blind spots.
- Eye pain, swelling, or discharge, especially when paired with redness.
These symptoms indicate a deeper issue. It could be related to high blood pressure or other underlying conditions. Don’t wait—checking in with your eye doctor helps you stay ahead of potential problems before they permanently damage your vision.
Prevention Tips for Eye Health & Blood Pressure
Taking care of your eyes means looking after your overall health, too. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to promote both eye health and low blood pressure.
It helps to:
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly to keep your blood pressure in check.
- Stay hydrated, and avoid irritants like smoke and dust.
- Keep stress levels low with activities like yoga or meditation.
- Take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.
When it comes to blood pressure, preventive measures are key. These simple changes are a great way to stay on top of your eye health and overall well-being.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you often deal with red eyes, don’t ignore it. This could be a sign of something wrong, or an underlying eye condition affecting your blood vessels. Even if the redness seems mild, routine eye exams can help catch underlying issues early.
However, if you ever notice other symptoms like vision problems or pain, it’s time to act. Your optometrist can examine your eyes to determine what’s causing your symptoms, and help you manage the condition to protect your future vision.
Never underestimate the value of a comprehensive eye exam—it’s a simple but powerful way to protect your vision and your health.
Book Your Next Eye Exam Today
Keeping your eyes healthy is important, especially if you’re managing high blood pressure. Red eyes might be minor, but they can also signal other health concerns. You should always watch for signs of something wrong—it could be key to preserving your vision!
Our team at Pack & Bianes Optometry is here to keep your vision clear and your eyes in great shape. Contact us today to book your next appointment, and let us help!
