3 Medical Conditions That Affect Eye Health

Posted on: 26 April 2021

When a person has an eye disorder, they can usually expect their eye health to be affected in some way. Certain eye disorders cause low vision, eye strain, and retinal detachment. However, there are also certain medical conditions that can affect eye health. For this reason, people with the following three medical conditions should ensure they receive proper eye care.

1. Sarcoidosis

This disease is characterized by the growth of granulomas in certain parts of the body. A granuloma is a collection of inflammatory cells. The most common parts of the body sarcoidosis affects are the lungs and lymph nodes. However, this inflammatory medical condition can also affect the eyes. When granulomas grow in the eyes, they can cause blurred vision, eye pain, itching, redness, and light sensitivity.

Some people with sarcoidosis in the eyes do not have any symptoms. For this reason, routine eye exams are very important. When sarcoidosis is found in the eyes, treatment options include prescription eye drops, topical cycloplegics, and systemic steroids.

2. Lyme Disease

This infectious disease is transmitted to humans by the black-legged tick. The symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and a type of skin rash called erythema migrans. This disease can also cause eye problems. In the early stages of Lyme disease, it's possible to have a non-contagious form of pink eye. In the later stages of Lyme disease, other eye problems may include inflammation, floaters, double vision, and sensitivity to light.

In some cases, the optic nerve becomes inflamed, which can result in vision loss. Because Lyme disease can cause eye problems, proper eye care is important. When Lyme disease does affect the eyes, steroid treatments or vision therapy may be necessary, depending on the eye issue.

3. Liver Disease

There are many different kinds of liver disease. Some of the most common types include:

  • Hepatitis A, B, and C
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Alcoholic hepatitis
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Liver disease can cause abdominal pain, itchy skin, swelling in the ankles, and dark urine. The most common symptom of liver disease is jaundice. This is a condition that causes the skin and also the whites of the eyes to have a yellowish tint.

Liver disease affects the eyes because eye health relies on nutrients from liver blood. Insufficient liver blood causes blurry vision, as well as dry and itchy eyes. If the liver is hyperactive, it can cause pain and swelling in the eyes. While eye care treatments can help the symptoms of liver-related eye problems, treating the liver is the best way to heal the eyes.

Reach out to a professional for eye care

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