Retinal complications in essential hypertension at first eye examination in Bou-Ali Medical Center

Abstract Background: Systemic arterial hypertension is associated with an increased risk of stroke heart attack, renal disease and retinal complication. Objective: To evaluate and determine retinal complications in essential hypertension. Methods: In a descriptive study, 100 recently diagnosed hypertensive patients (PTS) who referred to Bou-Ali medical center for eye examination and hypertensive complications underwent complete eye examination including indirect, three mirrors and +90 funduscopy. Findings: The mean age of PTS was 68.14 (SD 9.2). There were 57 males and 43 females. Mean of their systolic pressure were 173.3 and 96.04 mmHg respectively. 78 cases had hypertensive retinopathy. All cases had arteriolar sclerosis (A/S) change (Scheie classification). 4 cases had branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). 1 had inacroaneurism, 5 ischemic optic neuropathy and 8 had macular ischemia. All cases had fallen in grade IV A/S. Conclusion: Arteriolar sclerosis grade IV and hypertension are the main causes of retinal complications in this study.