Tens of thousands of people in the UK are facing vision deterioration and even blindness without knowing it, experts have warned.
More than 70,000 Britons are currently living with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic disease which causes lung tissue to become damaged and scarred, making breathing difficult and reducing the amount of oxygen entering the blood.
The condition can be caused by exposure to asbestos, dust or mould, or certain medications, radiation therapy and autoimmune diseases.
Sufferers commonly experience shortness of breath, a dry or hacking cough, fatigue and weakness, and clubbing of the fingers and toes.
But another symptom of pulmonary fibrosis is much less well known – and without treatment could cause blindness, says optometrist and clinical services director at Optical Express Dr Stephen Hannan.
‘Pulmonary fibrosis is primarily thought of as a lung condition, but many patients don’t realise the eyes can also be impacted,’ he said.
‘Reduced oxygen in the blood can impact the retina and optic nerve, which can, over time, cause changes to vision.
‘This is why routine eye examinations are important for people living with the condition. Detecting problems early allows us to intervene and reduce the risk of more serious complications.’
Tens of thousands of people in the UK are facing vision deterioration and even blindness without knowing it, experts have warned
More than 70,000 Britons are currently living with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic disease which causes lung tissue to become damaged and scarred, making breathing difficult and reducing the amount of oxygen entering the blood
Vision changes as a result of pulmonary fibrosis can range from blurred vision to retinal damage in severe cases. Reduced oxygen in the body can also cause visible changes to the blood vessels in the eyes, which can become more prominent and appear darker.
On top of this, treatments for pulmonary fibrosis, such as corticosteroids, can also increase the risk of developing cataracts, where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and vision blurred.
To protect their eye health, people with pulmonary fibrosis should be sure to attend regular eye exams, says Dr Hannan, as the changes in the retina and optic nerve develop silently, before progressing to more serious problems.
Monitoring oxygen levels, staying hydrated and managing dry eye symptoms with lubricating eye drops can also help to protect eye health.
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