Ocular Evaluation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease- A Hospital Based Study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects every organ system including the eye. The aim of the study was to assess the ocular status and correlating the findings with moderate, severe and ESRD (EndStage Renal Disease) stages of CKD. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional, non-interventional, and descriptive and hospital based study involving 288 eyes of 144 patients who were referred to Ophthalmology department, after being diagnosed as CKD cases, at K S Hegde Hospital. Results: The major causes of CKD were found to be hypertension (53.4%), combined hypertension and diabetes (19.4%) and diabetes (15.9%). 33% of total eyes had vision < 6/18. The causes for visual impairment were maculopathy in 13.5% followed by cataract in 11.1% and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 8%. Anterior segment findings include conjunctival pallor in 56.9%, pinguecula in 12.2%, cataract in 11.1%, lid oedema in 3.5%, and dry eye in 5.6% and corneal calcification in 1.4%. Mean intraocular pressure was within normal limits. Major posterior segment findings included hypertensive retinopathy in 49.3% followed by diabetic retinopathy in 33.3% and maculopathy in 13.5%. 57 out of 105 cases of hypertensive retinopathy and 27 out of 51 cases of diabetic retinopathy were detected for the first time, thus showing the importance of ocular evaluation in patients with CKD. Conclusion: Ocular pathology is common among patients diagnosed with CKD. Regular ocular examination is warranted in patients with CKD so that necessary advice and treatment can be given before they lose their vision irreversibly.