Hypertension and Its Ocular Manifestations

Abstract

Hypertension is a systemic condition that is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiac, cerebrovascular, renal, and ophthalmologic disease. It can present both acutely and chronically, though most patients suffer from chronic hypertension and will remain asymptomatic. Ophthalmologic disease most commonly affects the retina, choroid, and optic nerve and has a variety of presentations both acute and chronic. This chapter provides an overview of the current classification, prevalence, and management of hypertension as well as the manifestations of hypertensive retinopathy, choroidopathy, optic neuropathy, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.