Definition: A disease of the retina and retinal blood vessels that occurs because of uncontrolled high blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure makes the retinal blood vessels become narrow and leak fluid. The retina can become starved for oxygen or the retina can begin to take on fluid. These changes can reduce your vision and cause other medical problems of the eye including optic nerve swelling, "eye" stroke or may cause a blood vessel to burst.
Hypertensive retinopathy
By Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., About.com Guide
Updated: January 15, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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