Prostate Restored
Photo by Karolina Grabowska Pexels Logo Photo: Karolina Grabowska

What do your eyes look like when you have kidney problems?

Common eye problems for people with kidney disease or who are on dialysis. Dry, red, and sore eyes that feel gritty. These symptoms may occur because of impaired blinking and tear formation, leading to dry eyes. Extra calcium and phosphate can also settle in the eyes and cause irritation.

What drinks help prostatitis?
What drinks help prostatitis?

Besides teas, other drinks can help improve overall prostate health and potentially reduce symptoms of BPH: Water. Staying hydrated is crucial for...

Read More »
What happens when prostate cancer spreads to the bone?
What happens when prostate cancer spreads to the bone?

Bone metastasis can be painful and can cause other problems, such as fractures (breaks), spinal cord compression (an area of cancer is pressing on...

Read More »

Eye problems can happen without any warning signs, even if you have late stage kidney disease or kidney failure. High blood pressure and diabetes can also increase your risk for eye disease. Therefore, it’s very important to ask your nephrologist (kidney doctor) about your eyes and if you should see an eye doctor (either an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye diseases and eye surgery, or, an optometrist, a doctor of optometry, who can do eye exams and vision tests, prescribe glasses, and, find and treat certain eye diseases). If you have diabetes, you should see an ophthalmologist regularly. Not taking care of your eyes can lead to a medical emergency or permanent blindness. The good news is that if you take care of problems early, you can save your eyesight. Common eye problems for people with kidney disease or who are on dialysis Dry, red, and sore eyes that feel gritty. These symptoms may occur because of impaired blinking and tear formation, leading to dry eyes. Extra calcium and phosphate can also settle in the eyes and cause irritation. As shown in the picture below, the cornea, conjunctiva, and sclera can be affected. Controlling calcium and phosphate levels in the blood and keeping eyes moist with lubricant eye drops can help. Problems other than kidney disease can cause these symptoms, so you need to see an eye doctor to find the right cause. Retinopathy happens when diabetes and/or high blood pressure damage the small blood vessels in the retina. Retinopathy progresses over time and there are no symptoms until the vision is affected. Sometimes damaged vessels form scar tissue that causes a detached retina. A detached retina can lead to vision loss or blindness, and must be treated immediately. If you have any sudden changes in your vision such as flashing lights or dark spots, get to the doctor or hospital right away. Glaucoma happens when fluid inside the eye builds up because it can’t drain well. This causes increased intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye. This extra pressure squeezes the blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The optic nerve sends signals to the brain, and the brain changes these signals into images that you see. When too much pressure builds up in the eye, the optic nerve can become damaged. This damage slows or stops the signals to the brain and can lead to partial or total vision loss. High blood pressure and diabetes may be risk factors for glaucoma. Dialysis may also cause pressure changes within the eye.

Finding eye problems

Is vitamin D oil good for wrinkles?
Is vitamin D oil good for wrinkles?

Benefits of vitamin D for your skin If your skin doesn't get enough vitamin D, it can cause wrinkles and fine lines to appear on your face. The...

Read More »
Can pumpkin seeds raise blood pressure?
Can pumpkin seeds raise blood pressure?

Incorporating pumpkin pulp or seeds into a healthy diet may help reduce blood pressure levels, according to a new study using rats. Sep 6, 2019

Read More »

An eye exam will show how well you can see and if you have an eye disease. If there’s a problem, your eye doctor may refer you to your primary doctor. If your eye doctor is an optometrist, you may be sent to an ophthalmologist. Tell your healthcare team right away if you have:

Blurry, double, or cloudy vision

Pain or pressure in one or both eyes

Trouble seeing things out of the corner of your eyes

Floating or flashing lights

Dark spots

Keeping your eyes healthy

Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes is important for your kidneys and your eyes. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for diet, exercise, and medicine. Check your glucose levels and blood pressure as recommended by your doctor. Quit smoking – smoking increases the risk for cataracts and glaucoma. Make sure that any drugs you take for your eyes or for any other reason are the proper dose. Kidney disease and kidney failure can affect how drugs work in your body, therefore, many drugs need to be a special dose for people with low kidney function or for those on dialysis. The good news is that if you go to regular eye exams, you can slow or stop more damage from eye disease, and even prevent blindness.

What is the most mysterious eye color?
What is the most mysterious eye color?

Red eyes. Red is the rarest color, being characteristic of albinos. Here the iris contains no melanin at all, and light passes through it and...

Read More »
Can your bowels affect your prostate?
Can your bowels affect your prostate?

When the bowel is full, it can exert pressure on the prostate and the bladder. The straining required to defecate affects the pelvic muscles, which...

Read More »
What do girls like in guys these days?
What do girls like in guys these days?

Women desire a man who is honorable, fair, and ethical. In terms of relationships, having integrity can help strengthen the bond a man has with a...

Read More »
What is the main cause of inflammation in the joints?
What is the main cause of inflammation in the joints?

The most common causes of joint inflammation are injuries and inflammatory arthritis. Pain and inflammation resulting from injuries usually...

Read More »