Can Kidney Issues Affect Your Eyes?

Kidney Malfunction, Dialysis and Your Eyesight

Kidney disease usually affects the body's capacity to filter waste and control fluids. However, its effects can go beyond the kidneys, affecting other organs like the heart and eyes.

The increased risk of eye issues due to kidney disorders may result in vision impairment or even blindness. Thus, proper knowledge of the connection between kidney and eye health makes early detection and prevention of complications possible. However, most eye issues in kidney diseases are secondary to diabetes/hypertension, not the kidney disease itself.

Read ahead for more insight.

What are the common eye problems associated with kidney issues?

Individuals affected by kidney diseases, especially those who are undergoing dialysis, may experience the following symptoms in their eyes:

• Dry, Red, or Sore Eyes: Dialysis patients and people with CKD (chronic kidney disease) frequently have dry, gritty, or irritated eyes. This is caused by decreased blinking, tear production, and accumulation of excess calcium and phosphate in the eyes.
• Puffy or Swollen Eyes: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can cause the body to retain fluid, which makes the area around the eyes noticeably puffy. Oedema, or swelling, is frequently one of the first indications of kidney disease.
• Retinopathy: Diabetes and high blood pressure, both prevalent in CKD patients, can affect the tiny blood vessels in the retina. If left untreated, retinopathy, a condition that can develop subtly, can lead to blindness or vision loss.
• Glaucoma: CKD raises the risk of glaucoma, a disorder in which the optic nerve is harmed by increasing intraocular pressure. If left untreated, this can cause progressive blindness.
• Cataracts: People with diabetes and kidney disorders are more likely to develop cataracts. The symptoms include clouding of the eye's lens. Cataracts can develop quickly and get worse in people with kidney issues than in other individuals.
• Visual Impairment (VI): Research indicates that individuals with CKD are much more likely to have visual impairment and major eye diseases than those without it.

What are the risk factors of eye disease with kidney issues?

Several factors increase the risk of developing eye problems in individuals with kidney issues. Some of them are discussed below:

• Diabetes: A significant risk factor for eye disease and one of the main causes of kidney issues is diabetes. It can harm blood vessels in the kidneys and eyes, resulting in diabetic retinopathy and other complications.
• High Blood Pressure (hypertension): Prolonged hypertension raises the risk of retinopathy and glaucoma by weakening and damaging blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes.
• Smoking: Because smoking damages blood vessels and increases oxidative stress, it is associated with kidney and eye disease.
• Obesity and Age: Being obese increases the risk of kidney and eye disorders, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Besides, the risk of developing CKD and eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration rises with ageing.
• Dialysis and Medication: Some drugs (such as steroids) used to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) can raise the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. However, dialysis can cause fluid shifts and pressure changes that can affect the eyes.

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy with Kidney Disease?

Protecting your vision when you have kidney disease involves thoughtful considerations and lifestyle changes. Some of the strategies may include:

• Routine Eye Tests: Schedule comprehensive eye exams as recommended by your healthcare provider. Early detection of eye-related issues can prevent serious complications.
• Control Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar: Keeping hypertension and diabetes well-managed is essential for reducing the risk of retinopathy, glaucoma, and other eye diseases.
• Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking lowers your risk of kidney disease, which in turn can reduce the risk of eye complications.
• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to dietary guidelines (especially regarding calcium and phosphate), and ensure your medications are adjusted for your kidney function.
• UV Protection: Wear sunglasses while going outdoors to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can worsen certain eye conditions.
• Report on New Symptoms Promptly: If you notice blurred vision, eye pain, pressure, flashes of light, or dark spots, inform your healthcare provider immediately.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

You should visit your eye specialist promptly if you experience:

• Blurry, double, or cloudy vision
• Eye pain or pressure
• Difficulty seeing out of the corners of your eyes
• Floating or flashing lights
• Dark spots in your vision

Kidney disease can severely affect eye health. However, with awareness, regular screening, and effective management of risk factors, many complications can be prevented or managed effectively. It is also advised to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times.

At Star Health, our insurance policies cover kidney and eye conditions. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

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