I was recently informed that retina damage can result from kidney problems even when there exist no other perceived symptomatology. If this is indeed true, is it possible that the damage can be the result of some transient kidney condition? If the kidney difficulty is sufficient to cause damage to the retina, what damage might be expected to other organ systems?
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Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (xx102@ofcn.org)
In order to answer your question, more specific information would be helpful.
In general, retina problems can result from transient or chronic kidney disease. Most of the retina damage comes from HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE that often accompanies a kidney condition. The high blood pressure can damage other organ systems. As the kidney condition resolves, the retina problem often improves.
Rarely, retinal detachment can result from severe kidney conditions. This is not the typical type of retinal detachment that requires surgery. It is due to leakage of fluid from blood vessels deep inside the eye. Correcting the underlying kidney condition can lead to spontaneous reattachment of the retina.
Finally, there are a variety of hereditary conditions that involve both the eyes and the kidneys. Lowe's Syndrome (oculocerebrorenal syndrome) is a condition associated with cataracts, mental retardation and kidney disease. Alport's Syndrome (hereditary nephritis) is characterized by cataracts, retinal abnormalities, deafness and kidney disease. There are many others.
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Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
A RICHARD E. GANS, M.D. 11
A A OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic 111
AAAAA xx102@ofcn.org 11
A A A C A D E M Y O N E 1111
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