Hi,
Hypertensive retinopathy is more prevalent if the hypertension is uncontrolled.
Moderate to severe hypertensive retinopathy most often occurs in patients with uncontrolled and longstanding hypertension.
This could be due to the fact that patients may have discontinued antihypertensive drug therapy, not compliant to medicine or hypertension is simply undiagnosed.
Grades III and IV hypertensive retinopathy are often associated with diastolic pressures above 120 mmHg. Hypertension also increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal venous and arterial occlusion.
Best Wishes,
Dr Wong Siong Sung