The Silent Disease an Eye Exam can detect

We’re all familiar with the drill: whenever we visit our GP — whether it’s for a cold, a routine check-up, or something more serious—we’re asked to roll up our sleeve for a blood pressure check. This simple step helps doctors keep an eye on our cardiovascular health.

Your eyes can provide a valuable window into your heart health.

But did you know that your annual eye exam can also reveal important information about your blood pressure? By examining the blood vessels in your retinas, your optician can spot early signs of high blood pressure, or hypertension. Often called the “silent disease” because it usually has no symptoms, high blood pressure is estimated to affect almost one million people in Ireland and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and, significantly, it is the biggest risk factor for stroke.

High blood pressure can harm various parts of the body, including the arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys. That’s why early detection and treatment are crucial. The tiny blood vessels in your eyes are particularly vulnerable to high blood pressure due to their high oxygen demand. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optician checks for subtle changes in your retina caused by high blood pressure, a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy.

High blood pressure can also lead to other eye problems, such as choroidopathy, which involves fluid buildup under the retina and can distort vision. Another condition, optic neuropathy, involves nerve damage that occurs when blood flow is blocked, potentially leading to vision loss.

If your optician notices any signs of high blood pressure, they can collaborate with your GP to ensure you receive the right treatment. If an annual eye exam isn’t already part of your routine, it’s worth considering.