Investigating the relationship between hypertension and retinal vascular disease: An evidence-based approach

Background: Hypertension is a prevalent global health issue, known to result in varied complications, including retinal vascular disease. Understanding how hypertension interacts with the progression of retinal diseases will help ensure that interventions are effective. Aim: The aim of this research was to establish the prevalence of retinal vascular disease among patients with different levels of hypertension and to assess the impact of treatment on visual outcomes at a 12-month follow-up. Methods: Ninety-seven hypertensive patients were enrolled in a cohort. Demographic data, hypertension status at baseline, retinal disease types, treatment regimen, and visual acuity outcomes were collected based on data derived from Baghdad-Iraq hospitals for the period between the months of March 2024 - March 2025. Follow-up consultations were offered to patients after 3, 6, and 12 months, to which statistical tests were used in establishing correlations and assessing treatment efficacy. Results: 70% of the participants were classified as hypertensive (Stage 1 or 2), and the most frequent retinal vascular illness was hypertensive retinopathy (51.5%). After treatment, significant changes in the levels of blood pressure were observed in 36.1% of patients, who became normotensive after 12 months. Visual acuity was greatly improved in the majority of the treated patients, and a few (5.2%) experienced severe visual loss. Conclusions: The findings show that proper control of hypertension enhances retinal outcomes, and thus, annual eye checks among hypertensive patients are warranted. Timely detection and treatment can also postpone the complications associated with retinal vascular diseases.