What do early-stage kidney disease eyes look like?
Although 37 million people in the United States suffer from kidney disease, the National Kidney Foundation reports that 90% of patients do not know they have it. It isn't until they have entered the early stages of kidney disease that the kidneys begin to show signs of damage. Even then, those with chronic kidney disease may still be unaware of their condition.
That's because early-stage kidney disease is typically asymptomatic, meaning there are no noticeable symptoms of kidney problems in the initial stages of the disease. However, as the disease progresses, various symptoms of kidney disease start to appear, including eye changes.
This blog post will explore common changes to the eyes in early-stage kidney disease and what causes these changes to occur.
The link between kidney problems and your eyes
The kidneys are essential organs that filter waste products from the blood and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. When the kidneys are damaged, waste products accumulate in the blood, leading to various complications.
Our eyes are highly vascularized, meaning they have an extensive network of blood vessels. Therefore, eye changes can be one of the early signs of kidney disease. In fact, eye changes are often one of the first signs of kidney disease, with changes occurring before any other symptoms appear.
Early-stage kidney disease eyes
In the early stages of kidney disease, eye changes may be subtle and not noticeable to the patient. However, eye doctors can detect these changes during a routine eye exam.
Some of the eye changes associated with signs of kidney problems include:
Retinal vascular changes: The retina is a part of the eye that senses light and transmits images to the brain. The retinal blood vessels are susceptible to blood flow and pressure changes. In early-stage kidney disease, the blood vessels in the retina may start to narrow, twist, or bulge, causing vision changes. As a result, patients may experience blurry vision or difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
Hard exudates: Hard exudates are yellowish-white deposits that form in the retina when lipids or fats accumulate. In early-stage kidney disease, hard exudates may appear around the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It may result in patients experiencing distorted vision or having difficulty reading small print.
Cotton wool spots: Cotton wool spots are white, fluffy lesions on the retina. They are caused by the accumulation of nerve fibers and white blood cells. In early-stage kidney disease, cotton wool spots may appear around the optic nerve, the part of the eye that transmits visual signals to the brain. Patients with cotton wool spots may experience blind spots or reduced peripheral vision.
Papilledema: Papilledema is a condition in which there is swelling in the optic nerve head, the part of the optic nerve that enters the eye. In early-stage kidney disease, papilledema may occur due to increased pressure in the blood vessels in the head. Patients have been known to experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting due to papilledema.
Advanced-stage kidney disease eyes
As kidney disease progresses, the eye changes become more severe and may lead to permanent vision loss.
Some of the common eye changes associated with advanced-stage kidney disease include:
Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged due to high blood sugar levels. For patients with advanced-stage kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy may occur due to uncontrolled diabetes. Patients with diabetic retinopathy experience blurred vision, floaters, and vision loss.
Hypertensive retinopathy: Hypertensive retinopathy is a condition where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged due to high blood pressure. For those suffering from advanced-stage kidney disease, hypertensive retinopathy can result from uncontrolled hypertension. As a result of hypertensive retinopathy, patients may experience blurred vision, headaches, and vision loss.
Macular edema: Macular edema is a condition where there is swelling of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. For those with advanced renal failure symptoms, macular edema may occur due to a buildup of fluid in the macula. Patients with macular edema often experience blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading, and sensitivity to light.
Preventing and managing kidney disease symptoms affecting the eyes
Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can prevent or slow down the progression of eye problems. Therefore, patients with chronic kidney disease should undergo regular eye exams to detect any changes in the eyes.
It is also crucial for anyone diagnosed with kidney disease to manage their blood pressure and blood sugar levels to prevent complications such as hypertensive and diabetic retinopathy. Sometimes, doctors may recommend medications or laser surgery to treat eye changes.
During early-stage kidney disease, your eyes may experience subtle changes that are only detectable by eye doctors during routine eye exams. These changes can include retinal vascular changes, hard exudates, cotton wool spots, and papilledema.
As kidney disease progresses, the changes become more severe and may lead to permanent vision loss, including conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and macular edema. However, regular eye exams and blood pressure and blood sugar management can prevent or slow down the progression of eye changes in kidney disease.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you notice any changes in your vision, as early detection and treatment can prevent or delay complications.
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease or have any questions, the team at Reset Kidney Health can help. We know from experience that early treatment for kidney disease saves lives. With Reset, you can easily schedule appointments with our world-class kidney specialists to get the exceptional treatment you deserve. We are currently accepting new patients. So, call us today and speak with a member of our care team.
