OPHTHALMIC SITUATION OF THE PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

ABSTRACT Background/Aims: Hemodialysis (HD) is a unique treatment modality for patients with end-stage chronic renal failure (ESCRF). A wide range of ophthalmologic findings such as refractive changes, dry eye, increased intraocular pressure and retinal hemorrhage can be seen in these patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ophthalmological status of hemodialysis patients. Methods: A total of 504 eyes of 252 patients with ESCRF undergoing hemodialysis were included in the study. Renal failure, hemodialysis and additional disease data were evaluated along with demographic data of all patients. All participants underwent a total ophthalmological examination including visual acuity, intraocular pressure, detailed anterior and posterior segment examination. Results: The mean age was 65.2113.15 years, and the mean hemodialysis time was 4.954.25 years. 237 (47.2%) of 504 eyes were pseudo-phakic and 170 (33.7%) had cataracts at different stages. Diabetic retinopathy (DRP) findings were detected in a total of 148 (26.4%) eyes. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) findings at various stages were observed in 112 eyes (22.1%), while epiretinal membranes were detected in 60 eyes (11.9%). Dry eye findings were observed in 94 cases (37.1%) and glaucoma was detected in 20 cases. Conclusions: The most common sight-threatening condition in ESCRF patients appears to be cataract and the most common ocular surface problem was dry eye disease. While various retinal pathologies were observed in a significant part of the patients, the frequency of proliferative DRP was found to be higher than that in the diabetic population.