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.  

Several factors play a role in the risk of developing eye diseases. Some are controllable, such as smoking and UV exposure, but other factors are out of our control, such as age. Ancestry can also affect your chances of developing some eye conditions. 

​April is National Minority Health Month. It is a good opportunity to focus on reducing the risk of eye diseases that disproportionally affect minorities. 

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. 

​Glaucoma is an eye disease that involves damage to the optic nerve. It often develops due to increased eye pressure. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is the most common cause of vision loss in adults over 60. 

Your eyes can be affected by everything from your sleep to the foods you eat. Medical conditions you may have can also play a significant role in eye health. In fact, certain medical conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, may lead to permanent vision problems. September is National Atrial Fibrillation Month, and it’s important to be aware of this potentially dangerous condition.  
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