High Blood Pressure, Eye Health and Overall Health: Let’s See the Connection to a Healthier Life | See Jane See

High Blood Pressure, Eye Health and Overall Health: Let’s See the Connection to a Healthier Life | See Jane See

High Blood Pressure, Eye Health and Overall Health: Let’s See the Connection to a Healthier Life

May 31, 2017

–A Guest Column by Helene D. Clayton-Jeter, OD–

Cardiovascular disease has a significant public health impact. Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States. About one in three U.S. adults (29%) has high blood pressure. Only about half (54%) of these people have their high blood pressure under control. High blood pressure affects nearly 75 million people and blood pressure control has been proven by many studies to significantly reduce serious cardiovascular events.

It is estimated that about 11 million U.S. adults with high blood pressure are not even aware they have it and are not receiving treatment to control their blood pressure. Nearly one in three American adults have prehypertension – blood pressure numbers that are higher than normal, but not yet in the high blood pressure range.

Since high blood pressure usually does not have any symptoms, people do not think they need to get their blood pressure checked. The lack of symptoms also holds true for many eye diseases and conditions that go undetected, such as glaucoma. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure or an eye problem is to have regular check-ups.

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Helene D. Clayton-Jeter, O.D.
Office of Health and Constituent Affairs
Food and Drug Administration