Hypertensive Retinopathy vs Diabetic Retinopathy
At least 72% of Americans aged 65-74 have high blood pressure or hypertension. The number jumps to at least 80% for those over 75 years of age.
Hypertension is one of the most common chronic conditions globally, particularly in the aging population, but it is not alone. Over 25% of Americans 65 years or older have diabetes.
These conditions are challenging enough to manage on their own; however, they are also closely related to senior eye health. It's essential to understand the differences between conditions they cause, such as hypertensive retinopathy vs diabetic retinopathy.
Finding senior living in Blair, NE, allows you to enjoy the town's historic appeal and scenic natural beauty. It'll also help keep your eyes clear enough to enjoy the community for years to come.
Read our guide comparing hypertensive retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy.
What Causes Them
Hypertensive and diabetic retinopathy derive their names from the fact that they affect the retina, the area located near the back of the eye. It focuses light that's entering your eye.
The primary difference when comparing hypertensive retinopathy vs. diabetic retinopathy is their underlying causes. They both come as a result of different health issues.
High blood pressure and the eyes are more closely linked than one may think. It's the primary cause of hypertensive retinopathy. The condition can also come from a blockage in the veins that supply or draw blood from the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy is the primary cause of diabetic vision loss. It happens when high blood sugar blocks blood vessels. New ones grow to replace the damaged ones, but they're not as effective.
The two conditions can even feed off each other. If one gets worse, so will the other.
How They Affect the Eyes
Hypertensive retinopathy affects the retinal tissue in the back of the eye. It causes the blood vessels leading to it to tighten. This limits the amount of blood that can pass through.
The effects of hypertensive retinopathy may include:
- Vessel narrowing
- Swelling
- Vision changes
- Retinal detachment
It can also damage blood vessels elsewhere in the body.
Hypertensive retinopathy can even be one of the first warning signs of blood flow problems elsewhere. It increases your risk of developing cardiovascular conditions later. It's also a predictive factor for strokes.
The effects of diabetic retinopathy come from the way new vessels in the retina attempt to grow when the existing ones are damaged. These effects include:
- Leakage
- Bleeding
- Abnormal new vessel growth
Potential Symptoms
Hypertensive retinopathy doesn't always present symptoms. You may not even know you have it until it becomes serious or starts to affect other parts of your body.
If hypertensive retinopathy does show symptoms, they may include:
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Headaches
- Eye swelling
- Double vision
Diabetic retinopathy also often doesn't show symptoms until the more advanced stages. They differ depending on the severity of the condition. A few potential symptoms include.
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Dark or blank areas
- Vision loss
Stages of Hypertensive Retinopathy vs Diabetic Retinopathy
Both conditions go through several phases. Catching them in the early stages is the best way to keep them from progressing to the point where they can have a major effect on vision.
Hypertensive retinopathy progresses through four grades. They're classified based on the Keith-Wagner-Baker Classification System.
Grade One is a minor narrowing of the renal arteries. Grade Two is similar but with more severe tightening. Grade Three involves signs such as the following:
- Retinal edemas
- Flame-shaped hemorrhages
- Cotton-wool spots
- Retina edemas
- Bleeding
Grade Four is the most severe. It involves macular edema and swelling of the optic disc. It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Diabetic retinopathy also goes through four stages.
In the mild stage, small aneurysms are present in the eye, but you may not feel any symptoms. Swelling continues to increase in the moderate and severe stages.
Without treatment, it'll develop into proliferative retinopathy. You could experience serious symptoms by this point. It may even lead to vision loss.
How They're Diagnosed
Diagnosing both hypertensive and diabetic retinopathy requires a comprehensive dilated eye examination. The doctor can check for signs of the conditions and assess their progression.
They may also require fluorescein angiography to check for blood vessel damage. A dye called fluorescein goes into a vein.
The doctor can track how it moves through your blood vessels. This allows them to see if there has been any blood vessel damage and how serious it is.
Treatment and Management
Treat hypertensive retinopathy by bringing down your blood pressure. This requires lifestyle changes such as exercising and eating a heart-healthy, low-cholesterol diet.
Engaging in physical activities within your senior living community is beneficial. Try joining an exercise class.
What about modifying your meals? Assisted living in Blaire, NE, can also make this easier. They can ensure you take your medications as prescribed and maintain a healthy weight.
Diabetic retinopathy also requires management. It's essential to manage both blood sugar levels and cholesterol effectively. However, there are more treatment options available to you than management alone.
Anti-VEGF injections can reduce swelling. You can also get laser surgery to shrink abnormal blood vessels.
In advanced cases, you may need a vitrectomy to remove the vitreous, a gel-like substance in the eye. This may be the only way light reaches the retina effectively.
Regular eye exams are essential for all forms of retinopathy. They become even more important if you already have hypertension or diabetes.
The doctor can spot the signs of retinopathy in the early stages. It'll ensure that you get proper Blair eye care and maintain your vision.
Find a Senior Living Community for Total Wellness
The body is an interconnected system, and preexisting conditions can affect the eyes.
When comparing hypertensive retinopathy vs diabetic retinopathy, seniors should know what causes them, how they affect the eyes, what symptoms they cause, how they progress, and how they're diagnosed and managed.
Carter Place is a pet-friendly senior living community in Blair, NE. We enhance aging wellness and independence.
Residents have a variety of chef-prepared dining options and a full calendar of activities. You're always one step away from what you want or need to do. Contact us to learn more about joining our Blair senior living community today.