Uncontrolled hypertension may lead to sudden blindness – Ophthalmologist reveals
A Lecturer in the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr. Adegboyega Alabi, has revealed that uncontrolled high blood pressure may lead to sudden blindness. The ophthalmologist, who disclosed this while, speaking with newsmen, he listed the factors that could result in sudden blindness or vision loss.
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He said: “The common cause of sudden blindness in our environment is uncontrolled blood pressure and sometimes diabetes. This occurs when people with uncontrolled blood pressure suddenly develop an ischaemic attack, whereby the blood vessels supplying nutrients and blood to the retina suddenly cut off. Sometimes, it could affect the major blood vessel at the back of the eye, the one called the central retina artery. So, if you have blockage of the central retina artery that could result in sudden blindness,” he added.
He also noted that with time, high blood pressure that is not properly managed could lead to the destruction of the retinal blood vessels that supply blood to the retina.
Dr. Idowu said that when the blood pressure is high and not managed over time, the retinal wall becomes very thick and the blood flow to the retina is reduced, thereby leading to a decline in the function of the retina.
He also added that high blood pressure that is not managed could cause the retina blood vessels to burst and leak, adding that this causes blood to get into the eye.
According to him, “Sometimes, people living with sickle cell disease could have a blockage of their central retina vessel and leading to the blood supply being cut off always. So, vision can go down suddenly. Again, there are some other rare congenital problems that somebody could have that can lead to sudden blindness. Retina detachment could also cause sudden vision loss” he said
The eye specialist said, the majority of retina detachments occur and the actual cause is now known.
The ophthalmologist also decried the lack of a system in place to support blind people in society, adding, “If anything happens to the retina or optic nerve that sends signals to the brain, it causes partial blindness and then the full loss of sight.”
Commenting on how people with sudden blindness can cope, he said: “they should identify with members of the Nigeria Association of the Blind. They should also take life with all enthusiasm and not allow the loss of vision to affect them. We need to make a concerted effort to support them.”
Dr. Alabi tasked the government to make adequate provisions for them in society and enjoined the government to provide the right support for them and also create an opportunity for them to express their talents.
Wumi/PUNCH
