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Thursday, February 21, 2008

Bigger Problems Elsewhere
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Maybe it gets old after awhile.

Vision is so "special".

Vision is so "precious".

An entire WebMD member community devoted to Vision & Eye Disorders?!? Perhaps my view of things is just too...well, myopic! (pun definitely intended!)

Most folks see fine and as they read this post they are probably wrestling with bigger alligators than their dry eyes - for example, their 2007 income tax returns.

And, yes, many people see fine but are coping with other serious health problems.

But, you know what? Like it or not, it still gets back to the eyes.

Let's take a moment and talk about high blood pressure (HBP) - also known as systemic hypertension. It is a huge problem.

One-third of American adults have HBP, over 60 million.

One-third of those 60 million hypertensives don't know they have HBP and remain untreated (that's 20 million at risk).

Roughly one-third of those being treated for HBP are poorly controlled (add another 13 million at risk).

Many people are aware of the connection between uncontrolled HBP, kidney failure, heart disease and stroke. Did you know that vision loss is another major complication of HBP?

Chronic high blood pressure damages the delicate retinal blood vessels. This can cause bleeding inside the eye or (worse) complete occlusion of retinal vessels. If the retinal circulation is interrupted irreversible blindness quickly follows. Sadly, some cases of undiagnosed HBP are first identified in the eye doctor's office when the patient presents with sudden loss of vision.

See what I mean? Sooner or later it all comes back to the eyes.

Most people with HBP have no symptoms whatsoever. How long has it been since you had your blood pressure measured? Are your BP medications up to date? Save your life, save your eyesight!

Your taxes can wait. Take care of yourself first, then worry about Uncle Sam.

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 3:19 PM

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