Hypertensive eye disease: a review

Abstract Hypertension is a risk factor for a number of vision‐threatening eye conditions including retinal vascular occlusion, retinal macroaneurysm and non arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. In addition, hypertension may exacerbate the vision‐threatening effects of diabetic retinopathy and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration. The effects of sustained hypertension are directly visible in the eye as hypertensive retinopathy and choroidopathy, reflecting a pathological process occurring throughout the body. Close collaboration between ophthalmologists and general practitioners/physicians is needed to ensure that hypertensive patients are identified and treated. Timely intervention in these patients may reduce the risk of both vision‐threatening and systemic complications.