Hypertension affects nearly 1.28 billion adults globally, it is a condition that can have different effects on your body. These effects range from elevated heart rate to severe damage to our body’s organs. According to the World Health Organization, blood pressure is considered dangerous and high when the pressure levels in your blood range from 140/90 mmHg or higher. Interestingly, people with hypertension may often show symptoms and the only way to know is by checking your blood pressure. However, the effect of elevated blood pressure becomes apparent when different organs start getting affected by it. You might know high blood pressure affects your heart, but it can also silently harm your eyes. The delicate blood vessels in your eyes are vulnerable to high pressure, and if left uncontrolled, this can lead to several conditions that cause vision loss. From damaging the retina's blood supply to harming the optic nerve, high blood pressure poses a significant risk to your sight. We spoke to Dr. Charu Dutt Arora, Geriatrics & Palliative Care physician, based in Delhi, as well as a member of Doctube, about hypertension and its unexpected effect on our vision. Unexpected Side Effects of High Blood Pressure Most people know high blood pressure is bad for the heart and can cause stroke. " Over time, it can quietly damage your kidneys, eyes, and even your brain without you realizing it" explained Dr. Dutt. Some people might feel tired all the time, have trouble sleeping, or have issues with intimacy, but they might not think it's related to their blood pressure. Older people might also get dizzy or fall more easily because of it. How Does High Blood Pressure Affect Your Vision? If your blood pressure stays high consistently, it can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. This can lead to blurry vision, seeing spots (floaters), or even losing your vision permanently. People who've had high blood pressure for a long time or whose blood pressure isn't well-controlled are more likely to have these eye problems, according to Dr. Dutt, “People with long-standing or poorly controlled blood pressure are more likely to have these changes, especially if they don’t get regular eye check-ups. It’s something we often catch late—but it can be prevented with good control and timely screening.” How Does Long-Term High Blood Pressure Impact Daily Life? Dr. Dutt shares that high blood pressure doesn't just affect your health; it can change how you live every day. Many of my patients feel stressed or worried, especially when their blood pressure goes up and down or when they must take many different medicines. Some say they don't go out as much or travel because they feel too tired or must be careful about what they eat. “I've also seen older patients have problems with hearing, dizziness, or even memory. It's all connected. Dealing with a long-term illness like high blood pressure can also be hard emotionally and financially.” Temporary vs. Permanent Vision Changes Due to High Blood Pressure "Yes, it can cause temporary vision changes like blurriness or tunnel vision, especially during sudden spikes in blood pressure. These may settle once the blood pressure is under control. " Dr Dutt further explained how these changes might go away once your blood pressure is back to normal but if these spikes keep happening or if you ignore the symptoms, the damage to your eyes, especially the retina or the nerve that connects your eye to your brain, can become permanent. That's why it's so important to get your eyes checked regularly if you have high blood pressure. How Are Screen Time and Vision Problems Linked To High BPLooking at screens for too long isn't a direct cause of eye damage from high blood pressure, but it can make things worse. It can make your eyes tired, dry, and blurry, which can hide early signs of damage caused by high blood pressure. " Plus, if screen time affects your sleep (thanks to all that blue light), that can adversely affect your blood pressure control too. So yes, it’s something we should be mindful of, especially in patients who are already dealing with hypertension" So, it's something to be careful about, especially if you already have high blood pressure. Dr. Dutt concluded that high blood pressure isn’t just limited to affecting your heart but affects many areas of one’s life. “With regular monitoring, the right treatment, and a healthy lifestyle, we can protect our visions as well as bodily health”