Assessing the Impact of Systemic Hypertension on Retinal Microvasculature, Optic Nerve Head, and Visual Fields Through Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Visual Field Analysis - Report - MDSpire
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Assessing the Impact of Systemic Hypertension on Retinal Microvasculature, Optic Nerve Head, and Visual Fields Through Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Visual Field Analysis

  • By

  • Salma Maged Mohammed Mohammed El-Maghrabi

  • Rafik Mohamed Fouad El Ghazawy

  • Hisham Mohamed Khairy Abdel Dayem

  • Al Hussein Aly Mohamed Swelem

  • Passant Sayed Saif

  • November 21, 2025

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Clinical Report: Assessing the Impact of Systemic Hypertension on Retinal Microvasculature

Overview

This study evaluates the effects of systemic hypertension on retinal microvasculature and visual fields using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA). Significant reductions in vessel density and alterations in visual field indices were observed, particularly in patients with longer hypertension duration.

Background

Systemic hypertension is a significant public health issue linked to various cardiovascular and renal diseases. The eye serves as a critical site for observing microvascular changes associated with hypertension, making it essential for early detection of end-organ damage. Advances in OCTA technology allow for detailed assessment of retinal microvasculature, providing valuable insights into the vascular consequences of hypertension.

Data Highlights

{'vessel_density': {'HTN < 5 years': {'SCP': 'actual_value%', 'DCP': 'actual_value%', 'FAZ': 'actual_value mm²'}, 'HTN > 5 years': {'SCP': 'actual_value%', 'DCP': 'actual_value%', 'FAZ': 'actual_value mm²'}, 'Healthy Controls': {'SCP': 'actual_value%', 'DCP': 'actual_value%', 'FAZ': 'actual_value mm²'}}}

Key Findings

  • Systemic hypertension leads to significant reductions in OCTA-derived vessel density.
  • Longer duration of hypertension correlates with greater vascular changes in the retina.
  • Alterations in visual field indices are associated with structural changes in retinal microvasculature.
  • FAZ area enlargement is observed in hypertensive patients compared to healthy controls.
  • OCTA serves as a noninvasive biomarker for monitoring hypertensive end-organ damage.

Clinical Implications

The findings underscore the importance of regular ocular assessments in hypertensive patients to detect early microvascular changes. Clinicians should consider integrating OCTA into routine evaluations to better manage systemic hypertension and its ocular complications.

Conclusion

This study highlights the detrimental effects of systemic hypertension on retinal microvasculature and visual function, reinforcing the need for vigilant monitoring and early intervention in affected patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Ophthalmology, Springer Nature, 2025 -- Evaluating the effect of systemic hypertension on retinal, optic nerve head microvasculature and field of vision using optical coherence tomography angiography and visual field analyzer
  2. npj Digital Medicine, 2026 -- Unsupervised 3D Mapping and Analysis of Retinal Microvasculature Using RADAR
  3. Optometric Management, 2025 -- Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Glaucoma
  4. Ophthalmology Management, 2017 -- Diagnosing & Managing Glaucoma: A Case Study
  5. American College of Cardiology, 2025 -- New in Clinical Guidance | High Blood Pressure Focus of New ACC/AHA Guideline
  6. ScienceDirect, 2025 -- Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment on Retinal Microvasculature: Secondary Analysis From ESPRIT
  7. Ophthalmology Management — Diagnosing & Managing Glaucoma: A Case Study
  8. New in Clinical Guidance | High Blood Pressure Focus of New ACC/AHA Guideline - American College of Cardiology
  9. Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment on Retinal Microvasculature: Secondary Analysis From ESPRIT - ScienceDirect
  10. Evaluating the effect of systemic hypertension on retinal, optic nerve head microvasculature and field of vision using optical coherence tomography angiography and visual field analyzer | BMC Ophthalmology | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Assessing the Impact of Systemic Hypertension on Retinal Microvasculature, Optic Nerve Head, and Visual Fields Through Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Visual Field Analysis

  • by Salma Maged Mohammed Mohammed El-Maghrabi, Rafik Mohamed Fouad El Ghazawy, Hisham Mohamed Khairy Abdel Dayem, Al Hussein Aly Mohamed Swelem, Passant Sayed Saif

  • November 21, 2025

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