Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Vision | COPD Awareness Month

Although COPD primarily affects the lungs, it can lead to problems in other areas of the body, such as the heart and kidneys. It may also increase the risk of certain eye and vision problems. 
​
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) does not get the media or public attention that other diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, receive, but did you know that worldwide COPD is the third leading cause of death according to the World Health Organization? 

November is COPD Awareness Month. Bringing attention to this chronic lung disease can help create a better understanding of complications, such as eye issues, and how to reduce your risk. 

COPD symptoms and causes 

COPD involves long-term or chronic lung disease that causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs. This damage interferes with the proper exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. People with COPD also may produce increased mucus and narrowing of the airways. Symptoms of COPD include: 

• Wheezing 
• Chest tightness
• Increased coughing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Fatigue 

​

Causes

As reported by the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking is the number one cause of COPD in the United States, but being around secondhand smoke and air pollution can also lead to COPD. 

Potential vision issues with COPD 

COPD itself, along with some types of treatment, may have adverse effects on the eyes. Below are possible vision and eye issues related to COPD. 

Complications during eye surgery 

According to a small study reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people with COPD have an increased risk of developing damage to the cells of the cornea during cataract surgery. More research is needed to determine if COPD is a risk factor for complications after eye surgery, but it highlights the need to tell your eye doctor about any medical problems you have.

Side effects from medication used to treat COPD

Doctors may prescribe steroids to treat symptoms of COPD. Steroids may increase the risk of cataracts. The type of steroid delivery and the duration of use play a part in the risk of developing cataracts. For example, in many cases, patients take steroids through an inhaler to deliver medication directly to the lungs. This route may reduce the risk of systemic side effects compared to oral steroids. 

Increased risk of retinal diseases

People with COPD may have reduced blood oxygen levels. If oxygen levels decrease throughout the body, adequate oxygen may also not reach the retina. Research in the journal IOVS indicated that impaired oxygen levels in the retinal tissue may increase the risk of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. 

Keeping your eyes healthy with COPD 

If you or a loved one has COPD, it is important to take certain steps to reduce vision complications, such as the following: 

Follow your COPD treatment plan: Managing COPD may slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.
 
Use supplemental oxygen as prescribed: Maintaining good oxygen levels in the blood also helps promote proper oxygen to the retina. 

Quit smoking: Smoking can make symptoms of COPD worse. It also can increase the risk of damage to the blood vessels of the eyes. Talk with your doctor about healthy ways to quit smoking.
 
See an eye doctor regularly: See an eye doctor regularly to closely monitor your vision. Ask your eye doctor how frequently you should have an eye exam. 

If you have any questions regarding COPD and your eyes or would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors is appropriate at this time, please phone our office at 508-746-8600.