How To Keep Your Eyes Healthy By Maintaining Your Blood Pressure

An active, older woman performs stretching exercises on a yoga mat in her living room.

Having a healthy blood pressure level is an important part of reducing your risk of developing vision problems, such as hypertensive retinopathy or optic neuropathy. Some of these conditions can be hard to catch early on, which puts you at even greater risk of vision loss. The following lifestyle tips can help you adopt healthier habits, improve your quality of life, and protect your vision.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Being overweight can make it harder to keep your blood pressure at a safe level, which can raise your risk of experiencing high blood pressure eye symptoms. Losing excess weight through healthy eating and exercise can help you get your blood pressure under control. If your blood pressure is still in the normal range, staying at a healthy weight can help prevent your blood pressure from reaching high levels.

Exercise Regularly

Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis is an effective way to maintain a healthy blood pressure level and to protect your vision. Exercising helps your heart stay strong, so that it doesn’t take as much effort to keep your blood pumping through your arteries. Even getting about 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, whether it’s a hot yoga session or brisk walk, can help keep your blood pressure level and your eyes healthy.

Watch Your Sodium Intake

Consuming too much salt can elevate your blood pressure. Keep in mind that sodium isn’t just table salt. Many processed foods contain high levels of sodium. 

To prevent problems with high blood pressure and eyes, get into the habit of reading labels on food and beverage products. Choose low-sodium options when possible, and reduce the number of processed foods you eat.

Limit Your Caffeine Consumption

Drinking coffee and other beverages with caffeine could have a negative effect on your blood pressure. Caffeine can cause a rise in blood pressure levels, so it’s important to limit your consumption if you have high blood pressure. Taking this step can help you keep your blood pressure at a healthier level, so that you’ll have a lower risk of needing to see a retina specialist for vision problems later on.

Eat Healthy Foods

Your diet should contain plenty of foods that are good for you, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol because these can raise your blood pressure. A healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure level while also providing you with nutrients that support eye health.

Monitoring your blood pressure on a regular basis is important, especially as you get older. You should always pay close attention to any eye problems you’ve been experiencing. If you’re looking for the best in eye care, please contact Florida Eye Specialists to request an appointment. Our ophthalmologists in Jacksonville Florida can examine your eyes and recommend treatment for vision problems.

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