Medical Conditions That may Lead to Eye and Vision Complications

Overall health is important for maintaining good vision throughout your life. For instance, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and protecting your eyes from trauma are vital for your well-being.

Managing a medical condition well is also important to keep your eyes healthy as certain medical conditions may cause visual side effects. Additionally, knowing what diseases may cause eye problems helps you keep track of your symptoms and spot vision issues early.

The following five medical conditions may cause vision or eye complications. 
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Diabetes 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, in the United States, more than 133 million people have diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough or any insulin. It can also involve the body not using insulin properly. This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can affect the retina in the eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy. In some cases, diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision loss. 

​Autoimmune diseases 

Autoimmune diseases are a group of diseases in which the immune system attacks the body. Certain autoimmune diseases may lead to visual complications. One such is Graves’ disease, which causes inflammation in the muscles around the eyes. Other types of autoimmune diseases may lead to dry eyes, thinning of the cornea, and light sensitivity. 

Liver disease 

Liver diseases include liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. Liver diseases can affect the eyes in several ways. One of the most common affects is jaundice, which involves a yellowing of the eyes. Liver diseases can also lead to cholesterol buildup and bumps on the eyelids. It is also common for liver diseases to lead to bloodshot or dry eyes. 

Shingles 

Shingles is a viral infection that can cause a painful rash and blisters anywhere on the body. In some cases, a shingles rash can develop around the eyes. When this occurs, it can lead to eye pain, inflammation, and swelling. According to Harvard Medical School, if it becomes severe enough, shingles around the eyes can lead to vision loss. 

Lyme disease

Lyme disease can develop after a bite from an infected tick. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including eye infections. Lyme disease can also damage the blood vessels in the retina or the optic nerve. 

Keeping eye complications at bay

If you have a medical condition that may affect your vision, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of eye problems. Consider the following:

Follow your treatment plan. Work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. Take medications as prescribed. Let your healthcare provider know if you develop any vision issues.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and not smoking can go a long way toward staying healthy. Good lifestyle habits are important for everyone, but they are vital if you have chronic diseases.

Have regular eye exams. If you have a medical condition that may affect your eyes, it is essential to see an eye doctor regularly. Having regular exams helps identify vision issues as soon as possible so you can get appropriate treatment.

If you have any questions about protecting your eyes from vision complications of medical conditions, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.