Abstract :
Introduction: The assessment of renal vascular pathology requires invasive procedures. The retinal
vasculature, conversely, can be observed noninvasively and therefore offers a unique opportunity to explore
the association between systemic microvascular diseases and renal function.
Aims: The study aims to highlight the importance of ocular screening in patients with chronic renal failure
(CRF) on haemodialysis by analysing the fundus changes in these patients.
Settings and design: This was a prospective observational study.
Materials and Methods: 94 patients with CRF on haemodialysis were evaluated over a period
of 6 months. Ocular examination included visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, slit lamp
examination and fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscope.
Results: 60.64% of 188 eyes had visual acuity < 6>
were maculopathy in 68 eyes. The fundus findings included Hypertensive Retinopathy (HR) which was
seen in 32 patients, followed by Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in 22 patients, mixed retinopathy in 12 patients,
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) in 9 patients, Retinal Detachment in 2 patients, glaucomatous
optic atrophy in 1 patient and Vein Occlusion in 2 patient.
Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of detailed ophthalmic examination in patients with CRF
on haemodialysis. These patients should be followed up regularly in order to prevent further deterioration
of retinal changes and visual loss. Since retinopathy is asymptomatic in its early stages, patients must be
made aware of the ocular morbidity associated with CRF.
Keyword :
Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Maculopathy, Retinopathy, Endstage renal disease, Chronic renal.