What is a potential outcome of untreated systemic hypertension in relation to the retina?

Untreated systemic hypertension can lead to significant changes in the retina, a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. This occurs as high blood pressure damages the retinal blood vessels, causing them to become narrowed, leak, or bleed. The presence of these changes can initially lead to mild symptoms, but over time, more severe complications can develop.

Hypertensive retinopathy typically manifests in stages, with early stages showing signs such as retinal vessel narrowing and changes in the appearance of the optic nerve. As the condition progresses without treatment, it can lead to more severe retinal damage and complications, which can ultimately affect vision. This condition underscores the importance of managing systemic hypertension to protect the health of the eyes, as well as overall health. Addressing high blood pressure can prevent the onset of hypertensive retinopathy and its resultant visual impairments.

In contrast, improved vision would not be a plausible outcome of untreated systemic hypertension, since the damage to the retinal structures is detrimental to visual function. Similarly, while retinal scarring and detachment can occur from complications related to severe damage, they are not the primary defining outcome of uncontrolled hypertension in the retina when compared to the direct effects of hypertensive retinopathy.