HYPERTENSION, DIABETES AND THE EYE

Ocen Chris
5 days ago
3 min read

Hypertension & Diabetes remain a significant public health burden globally (1.3 million with high blood pressure & 589 million between 20-79 yrs with DM-43% rise in 2025) with a particularly sharp rise in African (46% of adults >25yrs with high blood pressure expected 125.5 million by 2025 & 24.6 million with DM in 2024 projected to rise by 142% by 20250, 73% adults un aware of their DM status) and Uganda (27% of adults have high blood pressure and 7.7% of those were not aware of their condition, 2.2% of population 20 – 79 years in 2024 which is about 369,100 adults) due to rapid urbanization and life style changes.

Low awareness hence increase in people presenting late to seek appropriate medical attention with eye complications and other related ones & treatment rates are a major concern across African continent.

High blood pressure mostly damages the blood vessels in the RETINA {back of your eye} hence causing vision problems.

Diabetes affects majorly the part of the eye called the IRIS hence new vessels develop which block the usual flow of fluid out of the eyes.

Common early signs of Diabetes

Increased thirst and dry mouth.
Frequency in urination.
Extreme fatigue or tiredness.
Blurring of vision.
Un intentional weight loss.
Cuts/bruises that are very slow to heal.
Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet.

Early warning signs & symptoms of High blood pressure.

Severe headaches
Shortness of breath
Nose bleeds frequently
Dizziness or Blurring of vision.
Chest pain
Pounding in the chest, neck, ears.
Abnormal heart rhythm or irregular heart beat or feeling of your heart beats.

If you are experiencing any of the above, visit a health professional for check up.

Hypertension & Diabetes affect several organs in the body like the Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Brain, Nerves, Eyes etc.

For purposes of this write up I will pick on one organ affected commonly as well that’s the eyes.

Both conditions affects the eyes in several ways but all end up interfering with eye drainage system, fluid then builds in the eyes until it damages the nerve[Optic] hence vision problems.

How do you know or suspect that Hypertension/Diabetes is/has affected your eyes?

Your eye sight gets worse day by day.
Blurred vision [Clouding of vision].
Dots & lines (floaters) in your vision.
Finding it harder to see in the dark or low light.
Eye strain or pain.
Difficulty adjusting to light changes [from dim to bright or bright to dim to dark].
Seeing halos around lights.
Sudden vision loss or poor vision.

Regular eye examinations can help catch these issues early enough allowing you to manage your blood pressure or blood sugar early before it seriously affects your vision.

Normal retina

Initial background retinopathy

SEVERELY DAMAGED RETINA

How to prevent eye damage from Diabetes or High blood pressure.

Get a dilated eye examination at least once a year so that the eye doctor can see or detect any problems early.
Controlling your blood pressure or managing the blood sugar levels is the most effective way to protect your long term vision. Consult your health care provider routinely.
Adopt other life style modifications like quiting smoking or alcohol intake, Exercise regularly, Maintaining healthy weight, eat balanced diet, educate yourself about diabetes or hypertension and its management.

Clinison medical centre (CMC) got you covered with all these, At CMC you can have your routine checks for the hypertension or Diabetes routinely in the weekly Hypertension/Diabetes Clinic[affordable annual Diabetes & Hypertension packages available] every Thursday from qualified medical doctors ready to serve you.

Eye assessments can be done by the well trained Optician with up to date machinery for the clinic available.

Secure an appointment with any of the above at Clinison Medical Centre by visiting the facility located in Owalei,Opuyo,Soroti along Mbale- soroti high way between Sun city amusement park & Stabex or Visit our website www.clinisonmedical.com or via Email: admin@clinisonmedical.com or calls us on 0763172308/0704007172.