Can Pulmonary Fibrosis Cause Eye Problems? | Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month

9/1/2020

The systems and organs in our bodies work together. When one system is not functioning properly, it can affect other parts of the body. For example, if someone has lung disease, it can lead to many other problems in the body, including the eyes.

One example of lung disease that may lead to eye problems is pulmonary fibrosis. September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, which is a good opportunity to learn more about this disease and how it can affect the eyes.

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of the lungs. The scarring makes the lungs stiffer, which interferes with breathing and getting oxygen into the body. Different factors may contribute to the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Risk factors include the following:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
History of an autoimmune disorder
Exposure to environmental lung irritants, such as silica and asbestos

In some cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis is not known, and the condition is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). According to the American Lung Association, about 50,000 people are diagnosed with IPF each year in the United States.

Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis may include:

Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Clubbing of the fingers due to low oxygen levels

Can it affect the eyes?

In addition to problems breathing, pulmonary fibrosis can lead to certain eye conditions, including the following:

Dry eyes: Although dry eyes are common in people without underlying medical conditions, having certain diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, increases your risk. Dry eyes in fibrosis may occur due to chronically low oxygen levels caused by the scarring in the lungs and impaired gas exchange. Some people with pulmonary fibrosis also use supplemental oxygen, which can increase dryness.

Blurry vision: The lack of oxygen can affect any part of the body, including the eyes. Some people may develop changes in the blood vessels in the eyes, which leads to ocular changes, such as blurry vision.

Cataracts: Cataracts are common in the general population. According to the National Eye Institute, in the United States, about 50 percent of adults over age 80 have cataracts. But your risk may increase if you use steroids, such as prednisone, on a regular basis. Prednisone may be prescribed to help treat pulmonary fibrosis.

Treatment for pulmonary fibrosis

Treatment for pulmonary fibrosis may help decrease symptoms and slow the progression of the illness. Treatment may include medication, such as anti-fibrotic drugs and steroids. Additional treatment may include oxygen therapy, as well as breathing exercises to ease symptoms.

Some people may qualify for a lung transplant to remove the damaged lung and replace it with donor’s lungs. Lung transplantation is a long process, and not everyone is a candidate, but it can be a viable option for some people.

Keeping the eyes healthy with PF

If you have pulmonary fibrosis, it’s important to do what you can to keep your eyes healthy and maintain good vision. Consider the following suggestions:

Get regular eye exams: Changes to the eyes may develop due to the lack of oxygen or medication used to treat fibrosis. Additionally, someone with pulmonary fibrosis may develop other eye diseases similar to the general population. Regular eye exams are one of the most important ways to diagnose and treat problems early.

Follow your pulmonary fibrosis treatment plan: Managing your condition by following your treatment plan may help slow the progression of the disease, including eye problems.

Use eye drops as recommended by your eye doctor: Dry eyes are not usually serious, but it can be uncomfortable. Eye drops can help.

Don’t smoke: Smoking can damage the blood vessels in the eyes and increase your risk of eye diseases. People with pulmonary fibrosis already may have some vessel damage due to chronically low oxygen levels. Smoking may make it worse.

If you have questions about pulmonary fibrosis and the eyes or any other eye problems, we are happy to help. Also, please call our office at 508-746-8600, if you would like to discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time.

10 Comments

Frank Roland

3/23/2021 05:15:38 am

MUST READ

I suffered deeply with stage four sarcoidosis which progressed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). I was hospitalized eighteen times in three years, mostly with flare ups and pneumonia. For me, the chronic widespread pain takes my breath away more than the disease itself. At times the pain is so severe I find it difficult to do anything. My life was gradually coming to an end, until I saw World Herbs Clinic on google during my research for alternative help for IPF.. I knew health is wealth thus I decided to give it a try, thank God I did. I got the Lungs disease formula four working days after placing an order. OMG I started noticing change in my breath after one month of taking the herbs formula, My IPF was completely reversed after THREE months of usage. Now i'm happy and free from this deadly disease. I recommend World Herbs Clinic for Lungs disease patients..

Rosie

9/2/2021 06:50:34 am

Prove it! If it were that easy to cure IPF don't you think you should tell somebody. Otherwise you're just a sick person to give others who will believe anything. Hey here's an idea, charge for your knowledge! If this were real bring it to the true scientists, not the internet. Shame on you!!!

David Riklan

6/17/2021 09:46:24 am

After years of working in construction and smoking cigarettes, Ruben C. was diagnosed with COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. As his illness progressed, Ruben found himself relying on supplemental oxygen around the clock. Even getting out of bed became a challenge.
Don’s doctors and specialists recommended a lung transplant, but after researching the pros and cons of such a drastic procedure, he decided to try something less invasive. Ruben contacted the multivitamin herbal cure. Following herbal restoration treatment, Ruben lung function has improved drastically
“My quality of life has gotten a lot better. I was amazed that I could breathe without any dead air,” said Ruben.
He no longer needs oxygen and looks forward to continued improvement. Ruben says his life is better now, and he’s amazed at how well he can breathe.
If you or someone you love has COPD, pulmonary fibrosis or another chronic lung disease, and would like to see improvements like my brother Ruben, contact +1 (956) 758-7882 multivitamincare .org to learn more about the herbal treatment options.

Joyce

9/2/2021 06:52:40 am

where do you people come from?! You have proof of all you say, tell the scientists, not the internet. You are a fake and mean!

Stephen Milward link

7/16/2021 08:20:40 pm

I was very interested to read articulates by Frank Roland and David Rikian, and the improvement of their Sarcoidosis/IPF and COPD respectively.

Is it at possible to give me details as to where I can obtain the Herbal Treatment theu have been taking. I have a 35 year history of Sarcoidosis / Pulmonary Fibrosis and also on ambulatory oxygen.

Many thanks for your time and support

Regards Steve

Eve Mitchell link

8/2/2021 11:33:25 am

I didn't know that pulmonary fibrosis can cause issues like dry eyes and blurry vision. My husband says his eyes have been bothering him a lot lately and he's not sure why. I hadn't thought about testing for this, but it might be worth it to get a pulmonary test.

Adam Golightly link

8/2/2021 11:35:45 am

My uncle thinks that he might have a lot of problems with his eyes because the left one has been in a lot of pain. He would really like to get some help from a professional to make sure that he can get the right kind of treatment. I liked what you said about how the blood vessels can develop into blurry vision, and ocular changes.

Evelyn F Sattler

10/4/2021 09:14:09 pm

I was once a patient diagnosed with IPF, My symptoms started when I had bronchitis. I had several bouts throughout 2015. I had an appointment with a respiratory consultant, and he carried out a number of tests including an X-ray and CT scan. I was told I had pulmonary fibrosis. I went home to digest this information and decided to take a second opinion, I went to The Royal Brompton Hospital and underwent a series of tests including a bronchoscopy. This time I was told I had hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition that falls under the umbrella term of pulmonary fibrosis. We took part in a research project which involved a two day trip to Florida to Lung Health & Cancer Diseases Centre. We had the opportunity to meet with Dr Odia, A highly recommended herbalist with scientific medicine, I began healing herbs from Dr Odia, MD, who specializes in internal and pulmonary herbal medicine and in three months I was cured completely. It’s also crucial to learn as much as you can about your diagnosis. Seek options find out about what’s out there that could help. contact Dr Odia via: www.facebook.com/DrOdiathenaturopathic/ ( WhatsApp +17278553511 ) He cure IPF Diseases and all kind of Lungs Disease.

Jamie Ridely

2/1/2022 07:22:42 am

The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches infected fluid—such as from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person's saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body. Luckily there is a cure for herpes. You can purchase herbs from ( worldrehabilitateclinic.com ).

Bernice Tomlison link

2/25/2022 08:31:26 am

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). I was hospitalized eighteen times in three years, mostly with flare ups and pneumonia. For me, the chronic widespread pain takes my breath away more than the disease itself. At times the pain is so severe I find it difficult to do anything. My life was gradually coming to an end, until I saw Dr Sims Gomez Herbs on google during my research for alternative help for IPF.. I knew health is wealth thus I decided to give it a try, thank God I did. I got the Lungs disease formula four working days after placing an order. OMG I started noticing a change in my breath after one month of taking the herbs formula, My IPF was completely reversed after THREE months of usage. Now I'm happy and free from this deadly disease. visit ( drsimsgomezherbs . com ).

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