My sister recently had surgery on one eye, that was designed to reduce the
pressure in that eye. She has a long history of glaucoma. Shortly after the
glaucoma surgery she was placed on dialysis because of kidney failure. The
cause of the kidney failure is unknown. She had a heart valve replacement
and a bypass a year ago. She is 80 years old. No connection between any
of these conditions has been stated.
When she receives dialysis her blood pressure is often much lower than
the technicians expect. It is the case that her vision is VERY poor,,
after these experiences (much more so than usual). My question is:
Is the degradation of vision she experiences after dialysis 'normal',,,
Is it something that may get better after she has been on dialysis for
a longer period? She has only been on dialysis for a couple of weeks.
Thank you for any insight you may furnish.
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (reg@ofcn.org)
There are many potential reasons why vision can fluctuate while on kidney dialysis. The first issue that must be resolved is to know whether there is any disease within the eye that causes these changes in vision. Unrelated to the glaucoma, there are specific eye diseases that are related to kidney failure and the need for renal dialysis.
In addition, the rapid changes of fluid levels and osmotic gradients can temporarily affect vision. An individual who has undergone glaucoma surgery might be more susceptible to these changes than others.
Finally, low blood pressure can also affect the blood supply to the eye and to the brain, resulting in visual disturbances.
I would suggest that this individual be examined by an ophthalmologist to rule out any potentially correctable eye conditions that might cause these visual problems. I would also make her dialysis doctors aware of the problems.
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Copyright, 1996. Richard E. Gans, M. D. All rights reserved.
Richard E. Gans, M. D.
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Medical Director, The Health and Wellness Center
OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic
Email: reg@ofcn.org
WWW: http://www.ofcn.org:80/about.ofcn/whois/reg/
Mail: 26900 Cedar Road Suite #108
Beachwood, OH USA 44122-1148
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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