Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Blurred Vision?

The eyes are closely related to the blood stream and can be easily impacted by changes in the blood – including the blood pressure. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when the heart is struggling to provide oxygenated blood to the body and the blood vessels are not filled as much as normal. This can lead to changes in the eyes including blurred vision.

The Connection Between Blood Pressure and the Eyes

Blood pressure serves as a vital parameter in regulating blood flow to various organs, including the eyes. In the realm of visual perception, the delicate balance of blood pressure influences the optimal functioning of ocular structures, ensuring the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Any time the blood pressure falls below the normal ranges, there can be effects throughout the body and eyes.

Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Blurred Vision?

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, does have the potential to induce blurred vision In cases where blood pressure drops significantly, especially during sudden postural changes or due to underlying medical conditions. The insufficient blood supply to the eyes can impede their optimal functioning, manifesting as transient episodes of blurred vision or distortion.

Understanding the Mechanisms Behind Blurred Vision in Hypotension

The manifestation of blurred vision in the context of low blood pressure can be attributed to several underlying mechanisms including reduced blood to the eyes, lack of oxygen in the retina, and changes to the brain’s visual processing.

Each of these routes can lead to intermittently blurred vision that can be a result of low blood pressure or variations in the blood pressure.

Since the problem is due to a lack of blood flow, this blurred vision is often restored quickly once the blood flow to the affected area returns to normal.

Solutions and Treatment for Blurred Vision from Hypotension

When confronted with episodes of blurred vision associated with low blood pressure, seeking medical evaluation is paramount to uncover the underlying causes and implement appropriate interventions. Lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, hydration strategies, and potential medication management under medical supervision can help regulate blood pressure levels and mitigate the risk of recurrent episodes of visual blurring.

If an underlying cause or condition is found, it can be addressed to prevent future occurrences of blurred vision of visual changes.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If you notice episodes of blurred vision or loss of vision, you should schedule an eye examination with your regular eye doctor to evaluate for the cause of these episodes.

If low blood pressure is the culprit of the blurred vision, there may not be any treatment needed beyond restoring the low blood pressure to a normal level.

However, these blurred vision episodes can also be caused by other, more urgent, conditions and without an eye examination it may be impossible to determine the exact cause of the blurred vision.

Your eye doctor will coordinate with you and your doctor regarding the best options for preventing future blurred vision episodes.

Our eye doctors at Neal Eye Group in Conshohocken, PA excel in the prescription of contact lenses, glasses and various eye diseases.  Call our optometrists at (610) 828-9701 or schedule an appointment online if you would like to learn more about how can blood pressure may affect your vision.  Our optometrists provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Conshohocken, Norristown, Plymouth Meeting, Lafayette Hill, and Philadelphia.