Blindness is not something anyone wants. The first time it sets in, it is like turning off a light bulb inside a mini studio in the darkest time of the night. It is most devastating when the individual could do nothing about it.
Unfortunately, there are several things that could lead to blindness and chief among these are High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Glaucoma and diabetes.
Here is how these conditions could result in complete blindness.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often called the “silent killer” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms while causing significant damage to the body.
It affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health complications.
Understanding hypertension is crucial because, if left uncontrolled, it can strain the heart, damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of life-threatening conditions.
The good news is that high blood pressure can often be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring.
But when it comes to the eyes high blood pressure could damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to hypertensive retinopathy (1).
Over time, this can cause vision loss or blindness due to bleeding, swelling, or reduced blood flow to the retina.
Regular check of your blood pressure would be a good way to lower the risk of blindness as a result of raised pressure.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated (2).
It occurs when increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.
Often developing gradually and without early symptoms, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Understanding this condition can help individuals take proactive steps to protect their eye health and prevent irreversible damage.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, but many are unaware of its potential impact on vision.
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Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy—one of the leading causes of blindness (3).
This condition develops gradually and may not show symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye check-ups essential for those with diabetes.