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Published on: July 19, 2018
Eyeing the complications of hemodialysis in the eye
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
Insights
Hemodialysis (HD) can cause unpredictable changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), potentially worsening glaucoma. Awareness and management are crucial, especially for at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The impact of hemodialysis (HD) on intraocular pressure (IOP) is inconsistent, with reported increases, decreases, or no change.
- Mechanisms underlying HD-induced IOP fluctuations remain unclear, necessitating further investigation.
Observation:
- Patients with pre-existing glaucoma or impaired aqueous outflow are more vulnerable to IOP elevation during HD.
- Symptoms like severe eye pain, blurred vision, and headaches can arise from increased IOP in dialysis patients.
Findings:
- Dialysis prescription adjustments may alleviate symptoms associated with HD-related IOP changes.
- Nephrologists often lack awareness regarding the effects of HD on IOP, particularly in African American patients with higher risks for both ESRD and glaucoma.
Implications:
- Recognizing and managing elevated IOP in dialysis patients is vital to reduce morbidity and prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures.
- Improved understanding and communication between nephrologists and ophthalmologists can enhance patient care for this vulnerable group.
Abstract:
The effect of hemodialysis (HD) on intraocular pressure (IOP) is variable and the exact mechanisms are not clear. Increased, decreased, as well as unchanged IOP has been described during HD in various case reports and studies. Patients with certain types of glaucoma and aqueous outflow obstruction of any other cause might be more susceptible to increase in IOP. This can cause severe eye pain, blurry vision, and headaches, causing significant morbidity for such dialysis patients. Certain changes in dialysis prescription may help relieve the above symptoms. There is a lack of awareness among nephrologists about the effects of HD on IOP. This may be especially relevant in the African American patients who besides having a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease also have a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Recognition as well as management of signs and symptoms of elevated IOP in the dialysis population is significant morbidity and unnecessary work-up.
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