EVALUATION OF HYPERTENSIVE RETINOPATHY IN PATIENTS OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION WITH HIGH SERUM LIPIDS: A CLINICAL STUDY CLINICAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Hypertension, hypertensive retinopathy, dyslipidemia, serum lipids, retinal vascular changes, fundus examination
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is an important systemic risk factor for retinal vascular changes. Dyslipidemia may further contribute to retinal microvascular dysfunction and vascular injury. The retina provides a directly observable microvascular bed in which changes associated with systemic hypertension can be clinically assessed [1–4].
Aim: To evaluate the clinical profile and severity of hypertensive retinopathy in patients with essential hypertension associated with high serum lipid levels.
Materials and Methods: This observational clinical study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, VEH, Bidar, Karnataka, from October 2024 to April 2025. A total of 30 patients with essential hypertension and elevated serum lipid levels were included. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmological examination including visual acuity, anterior segment examination, intraocular pressure measurement and dilated fundus examination. Blood pressure measurements and serum lipid profile were recorded. Hypertensive retinal changes were graded clinically according to the severity of retinopathy.
Results: Among the 30 patients evaluated, hypertensive retinal changes were observed in a substantial proportion. Mild-to-moderate grades were more commonly observed than severe changes. Retinal arteriolar narrowing, increased arteriolar light reflex and arteriovenous crossing changes were among the common fundus findings. Patients with longer duration of hypertension and more marked lipid abnormalities tended to show more pronounced retinal vascular changes.
Conclusion: Hypertensive retinopathy is an important ocular manifestation of systemic hypertension. The coexistence of dyslipidemia may be associated with increased retinal vascular changes. Routine fundus examination and appropriate control of blood pressure and serum lipids may help in early detection and prevention of ocular and systemic vascular complications.
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