Cardiovascular Disease & Effects on Eye Health | American Heart Month

Cardiovascular disease can cause a number of signs and symptoms, from chest pain / pressure, fatigue, and shortness of breath to high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat.

​Did you know heart disease could also have repercussions on your eyes? In fact, in some cases, an eye exam may even be able to spot the signs of cardiovascular disease, before it's been detected by other means. This is why it’s so important to get both your eye health and your cardiovascular health checked.
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Signs of Cardiovascular Disease in the Eyes

If you have cardiovascular disease or a problem with a valve in your heart, it may not be pumping blood efficiently to the tissues and organs in your body. Less oxygen to the organs, including the eyes, can lead to a variety of signs and symptoms - another reason why a comprehensive eye exam is vital for your health. The following ocular changes can be an indication of heart disease:

Changes in Blood Vessels in the Eyes
High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Different changes to the blood vessels can develop, such as a narrowing or ballooning. Swelling at the base of the optic nerve may also develop. Fortunately, vessel changes can often be spotted through an eye exam.

Cholesterol Deposits in or Around the Eyes
High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of a stroke and heart attack. If your level is high, it can also lead to the development of cholesterol deposits around your eyes. The deposits appear as yellowish lumps, which typically form on the lower or upper eyelids, as well as the corner of the eyes.

Transient Vision Loss
Transient or temporary vision loss can occur due to a sudden and brief constriction of the blood vessels and could be a sign of cardiovascular disease. For example, during a transient ischemic attack (TIA), blood flow to part of the brain stops briefly, which can also affect the eyes.

A TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke, because the symptoms tend to be mild and usually do not lead to permanent damage. In fact, some people may not realize they are having a TIA. That is why it’s vital to recognize possible symptoms, such as transient vision loss.

In a study published in Clinical Ophthalmology, researchers examined the symptoms of 2,398 people that were thought to have had a TIA. The study indicated that 34 percent of the individuals had visual symptoms, including vision loss. About 17 percent only had visual symptoms.
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How Heart Health Can Affect the Eyes

​Your heart health is directly related to all the organs of your body. If you have cardiovascular problems, it can lead to decreased blood flow to the eyes and damage to the blood vessels from high blood pressure. Your heart health can affect your eyes and vision in the following ways:

Distorted or Lost Vision From a Stroke
A stroke can lead to distorted or lost vision for a few reasons. According to the National Stroke Association, up to two-thirds of people who have a stroke have some type of vision changes. A stroke can damage part of the brain that processes what you see. The result may lead to visual perception problems, such as decreased peripheral (side) vision, double vision, and even blindness.  

Retina Artery Occlusion
A retinal artery occlusion involves a blockage of blood flow to the arteries in the retina. It occurs due to an embolus, which is either a buildup of cholesterol or a blood clot, and is sometimes called an eye stroke. It’s not always known why a retinal artery occlusion develops, but it is thought that having a condition, such as heart disease, can increase your risk. Symptoms of a retinal artery occlusion include floaters in your field of vision and pain and pressure in your eye. Vision loss can also occur. If you or a loved one experience concerning symptoms, such as floaters or pain in your eye, contact your eye doctor right away to discuss a potential vision-threatening emergency.

Increased Risk of Other Eye Diseases
People that have cardiovascular disease may be at a higher risk of developing certain types of eye problems. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, research indicates that people who have heart disease have a higher chance of developing vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration.

Preventing Heart Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, risk factors for heart disease include family history and age, but there are also many risk factors that are controllable. Practicing a heart-healthy lifestyle is a great way to decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease. Plus, a healthy heart can mean healthier eyes.

Consider the following suggestions to prevent heart disease:

• Exercise regularly  
• Don’t smoke
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit trans-fats
• Eat foods high in omega-3 and fiber
• Find healthy ways to manage stress
• Keep blood pressure in a healthy range  

February is American Heart Month, and it’s a good time to make your cardiovascular health a priority. In addition to the tips above, remember to get regular eye exams. During an exam, your ophthalmologist looks for subtle changes in your eyes that could point to heart disease.

If you have any questions about your eye health, vision, and / or cardiovascular disease or to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.