Ocular complications in haemodialysis and renal transplant patients

115 patients on haemodialysis and 160 renal transplant patients were examined over an eight year period. A high percentage in both groups were found to have ocular complications. These included disorders of the cornea, lens, retina, choroid, and optic nerve. In contrast to other studies on renal transplant patients a relatively large number had symptoms and even required surgery for cataract removal. 65 (40.7%) had posterior sub-capsular cataracts. It is likely that nearly all were caused by the use of prednisone for immunosuppression. Of this number 25 (38.5%) had symptoms and 12 (18.5%) required cataract extraction. Pigmentary disturbances of the retinal pigment epithelium, together with vascular changes in the choroid were found in some. The implication of these relatively unknown complications, together with their possible aetiology, is discussed. The study emphasises the fact that all haemodialysis and renal transplant patients should be monitored for ocular complications.