Keeping track of these numbers could help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and delay vision loss if you already have geographic atrophy.
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects nearly 20 million people in the United States. AMD is an eye disease that damages the macula, the part of the retina that provides clear central vision.
About 1 million people in the United States have GA, with about 160,000 new cases reported each year.
In GA, cells and blood vessels in the retina die. The damage slowly expands and can lead to blind spots or permanent vision loss over time.
Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase the risk of AMD progressing to GA. They may also make GA worse in people who already have it.
High blood pressure damages blood vessels in the retina, which reduces blood flow to the retina.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol collects under the retina and forms deposits called drusen. Having more drusen is a sign that AMD is getting worse. High cholesterol levels may increase the risk of AMD progressing to GA.
Learn why you should monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels if you have GA or are at risk of developing it and how to check your numbers.
Monitoring your blood pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the artery walls as it flows from the heart to the rest of the body.
Your blood pressure reading is reported as two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure: This is the top number. It measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure: This is the bottom number. It measures the pressure in the arteries in between heartbeats.
Having high blood pressure for a long period of time can damage arteries. This damage can increase the risk of heart problems and vision loss.
Source: Healthline
Written By Stephanie Watson
Edited By Erin Coakley
Medically Reviewed By Darragh O’Carroll, MD
Copy Edited By Nastassja Myer