Six Facts on Hepatitis and How it Can Affect Your Eyes | World Hepatitis Day

Hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver. The condition can be acute and develop quickly. Hepatitis can also be chronic and lead to serious complications, including liver cancer. Different forms of hepatitis occur. According to the World Health Organization, there are five forms of hepatitis. 

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Inflammation of the liver that occurs with hepatitis can lead to various symptoms that affect several other organs and areas of the body. It might be surprising to learn, but hepatitis can affect the eyes. The type of eye problems that are associated with hepatitis may vary.

July 28th is World Hepatitis Day, which shines a light on this common condition. Keep reading to learn six important facts about hepatitis. 
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Hepatitis may cause a variety of symptoms 

Although hepatitis affects the liver, it also affects other parts of the body. When the liver is not working properly, it can lead to problems throughout the body. Symptoms may be mild or severe. Common symptoms of hepatitis include the following:

• Nausea
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain

In addition to the above symptoms, hepatitis may also affect the eyes. The extent of eye involvement and problems often depends on the form of hepatitis present and the severity of the disease. 
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Damage to the liver may lead to yellowing of the eyes

One of the symptoms of hepatitis is the yellowing of the whites of the eyes. It occurs due to increased bilirubin levels in the body. Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cells. It is produced as the blood cells breakdown. The damage to the liver from hepatitis interferes with its ability to get rid of bilirubin. The yellowing does not interfere with vision. Typically, if bilirubin levels return to normal, the yellowing resolves. 
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Hepatitis treatment can also affect the eyes 

It is not just the disease itself that can affect the eyes. Some treatments for hepatitis can also lead to eye problems. Certain drugs used to treat hepatitis B contain interferon. One of the side effects of medication that contains interferon is retinopathy, which leads to leaking or swelling of the vessels in the retina. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, retinopathy associated with interferon use is usually reversible.

There are also rare side effects from medications containing interferon, including optic neuropathy and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Eye and vision side effects from medication usually start about two weeks after starting the treatment. 
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People with hepatitis have an increased risk of dry eyes 

According to research in the Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, hepatitis C is associated with an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome. The exact reason why it may occur in hepatitis C is not entirely clear. Symptoms of dry eyes include a gritty feeling in the eye, redness, and sensitivity to light. 

Hepatitis can lead to serious eye problems 

In some cases, hepatitis can lead to serious eye problems. The type of problems that may occur sometimes depends on the form or hepatitis a person has. 

For example, a hepatitis B infection can lead to third nerve palsy. This condition involves a temporary paralysis of the cranial nerve that controls the movement of the eyes. Optic neuritis, which involves inflammation of the optic nerve, may also develop. 
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There are things you can do to prevent hepatitis

Hepatitis is contracted differently depending on the type. For instance, hepatitis A is transmitted through a virus. Practicing good hygiene with frequent handwashing, along with washing fruits and vegetables before eating them can help.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected semen, vaginal secretions, and blood. Adopting safe sex practices, including using a condom, can also help. Vaccines are also available to prevent hepatitis A and B.

If you have hepatitis, it is vital to work with your doctor to control symptoms. It is also essential to have regular eye exams so that your eye doctor can monitor any eye problems.

We are happy to answer any questions. To discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, please call our office at 508-746-8600.