Ocular Complications of Hypertension in Patients Visiting the Ophthalmology Departmentof a Tertiary Care Hospital (Code-T0317)

Introduction: Hypertension is a major public health concern, affecting both rural and urban
populations. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to target organ damage, including ocular
complications such as hypertensive retinopathy, optic neuropathy, and choroidopathy. Retinal
microvascular changes are early indicators of systemic vascular damage and may aid in risk
stratification and timely intervention. This study aims to evaluate the ocular manifestations of
hypertension and the prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy in a tertiary care setting.
Aims and Objectives
Primary objective:
1) To assess the ocular manifestations of hypertension in patients with essential hypertension in
patients attending ophthalmology department of a teritary care hospital
2) To determine the proportion of hypertensive retinopathy in patients with essential
hypertension attending retina clinic in a tertiary care hospital.
Secondary objectives:
To assess the visual complications of hypertensive retinopathy
To prevent the visual loss by early diagnosis and control.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months at Tirunelveli
Medical College. A total of 170 hypertensive patients aged ≥30 years were enrolled. Fundus
examination was performed using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, and hypertensive
retinopathy was graded using the Keith-Wagner classification. Exclusion criteria included
pregnancy-induced hypertension, secondary hypertension, and comorbidities like diabetes and
renal impairment.
Results: The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy was significant among hypertensive
patients. Retinal changes correlated with blood pressure severity, with higher grades of
retinopathy observed in patients with longstanding hypertension. Early-stage retinopathy was
more frequent, emphasizing the need for routine ocular screening.
Conclusion: Hypertension-induced ocular changes are common and may serve as early
indicators of systemic vascular damage. Regular ophthalmologic evaluations in hypertensive
patients can facilitate early detection, reducing the risk of vision loss and systemic
complications.
Keywords: Hypertensive retinopathy, essential hypertension, ocular manifestations, retinal
microvascular changes, fundus examination, Keith-Wagner grading.