Can Polycystic Kidney Disease Cause Vision Problems

Polycystic kidney disease(PKD) is a genetic kidney disease. And high blood pressure and diabetes not only worsen PKD but also are leading causes of eye disease and loss of vision. Diabetes and high blood pressure often go undiagnosed because people don’t have any symptoms. As time goes on without medical treatment, these conditions will become worse and worse and cause other complications such as kidney disease and vision problems.

How does high blood pressure or diabetes cause vision problems?

Retinopathy

When the small blood vessels in the eyes become damaged as a result of high blood pressure or diabetes, retinopathy will occur. When the damage is caused by diabetes, it is caused diabetic retinopathy.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye become cloudy. Cataracts develop with age. However, patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for cataracts.

Glaucoma

If the clear fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, increased pressure occurs. Glaucoma affects the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The optic nerve will send message to the brain, and the brain translates these messages into images. When too much pressure builds up in the eye, the optic nerve can be injured, which can lead to partial or total vision loss.

PKD patients with high blood pressure or diabetes may have the above eye problems. With vision problems, it is essential for patients to treat the problems.

How to treat vision problems in PKD?

Vision problems can be a serious complication of diabetes and high blood pressure. Patients with renal disease as a result of these conditions should be aware that managing high blood pressure and diabetes  can prevent further damage to your eyes as well as help manage your polycystic kidney disease(PKD).