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Visual acuity disturbances in chronic renal failure.
L Tomazzoli1, R De Natale, A Lupo
1University Eye Clinic, Verona, Italy.
Summary
Patients undergoing hemodialysis may experience vision changes. Refractive error shifts, particularly hyperopic shifts, were observed, necessitating updated corrective lenses for optimal visual acuity in chronic renal failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nephrology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Chronic renal failure (CRF) impacts multiple bodily systems.
- Patients with CRF undergoing hemodialysis frequently report visual disturbances, including blurred vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in refraction, visual acuity, and lens transparency in patients with CRF before and after hemodialysis.
- To determine if hemodialysis significantly alters visual parameters.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated refraction, visual acuity, and lens transparency in 36 eyes from 18 CRF patients.
- Measurements were taken before and after hemodialysis treatment.
- Statistical analysis using Student's t-test was performed.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found in refraction, visual acuity, or lens transparency using Student's t-test.
- However, a refractive change, predominantly a hyperopic shift, was observed in 64% of the eyes.
- Corrective lenses required adjustment to maintain pre-dialysis visual acuity.
Conclusions:
- While not statistically significant by t-test, hemodialysis can induce refractive changes in CRF patients.
- A hyperopic shift is the common refractive alteration observed.
- Ophthalmologists and optometrists must exercise caution when prescribing lenses for patients undergoing hemodialysis.