Hepatitis is a disease that primarily affects the liver, but it can affect your eye health as well. This condition is particularly dangerous because symptoms don’t manifest until significant damage has already been done to your eyes.
There are a few conditions that are related to Hepatitis B. Opti-Care, a top optometrist in the state, lists some of them below.
Retinal Vasculitis
When the Hepatitis B virus enters the body and causes an infection, it leaves behind debris in blood vessels that trigger inflammation. This condition is called retinal vasculitis.
Depending on the damage to the retina, the symptoms of the disease can range from mild to severe. The condition can cause varying degrees of vision loss.
By itself, retinal vasculitis doesn’t cause any pain, which makes it nearly impossible to detect without an eye exam. That’s why it’s important that you undergo an eye exam to check if you have this condition.
Third Nerve Palsy
The body’s immune response to the Hepatitis B infection can sometimes lead to several other complications, one of which is third nerve palsy. The immune response may unintentionally block blood flow to the third cranial nerve, one of the nerves responsible for eye muscle movement and pupil size, paralyzing it.
If you experience drooping eyelids or have difficulty with eye movement, consult your eye doctor right away. Keep in mind that changes in the size of the pupils are also a symptom. Hepatitis B doesn’t usually cause any changes in the size of the pupils, but an aneurysm can. In any case, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Opti-Care offers a wide variety of eye care services and products, including eye exams and contact lenses. To schedule an appointment with one of our eye specialists, call (410) 795-8670 or fill out this form. We serve patients in Westminster and Marriottsville, MD, and nearby areas.