Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against your vessels. It is measured by two numbers, including the systolic and the diastolic. The systolic or top number is the pressure as the heart beats. The diastolic or bottom number is the force when the heart rests. 

​According to the American Stroke Association, when the systolic number is 130 or higher and/or the diastolic number is 80 or higher consistently, it is considered high blood pressure or hypertension.  

April is Women’s Eye and Health Safety Month, and although vision loss can affect both men and women, women have a higher risk. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 61 percent of people that have cataracts and glaucoma are women. Additionally, up to 65 percent of patients with age-related macular degeneration also are women. Those conditions can lead to blindness. 

Various factors affect your risk of developing different eye conditions. Some things that increase your risk are out of your control, such as your family history and age, but there are still several things you can do to lower your risk of common eye conditions, including those listed below. 

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes damage to the macula, which is part of the retina. The macular plays a role in central vision. Central vision is essential for all types of activities, from driving to reading. 
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The most frequently occurring form of macular degeneration is age-related. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50. 

​Eye exams are a vital way to maintain good vision and overall health. A vision test is not the same thing as a comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam is needed to monitor the overall health of your eyes and detect any problems. Certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, do not usually cause symptoms early. But the disease can be diagnosed through certain tests. 
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