Hepatitis B and Eye Complications

Hepatitis B is an infection that affects the liver, but it can also cause eye problems. In today’s post, your optometrist from Six One Six Vision Center explains how hepatitis affects vision.

Complications Caused by Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B (HBV) infects liver cells, which makes it the leading cause of liver cancer. This virus can be transmitted through sexual contact, infected blood transfusions or between mother and child during pregnancy. HBV causes jaundice and such symptoms as fatigue, fever and vomiting.

Hepatitis B also causes eye complications, such as:

• Third Nerve Palsy — The hepatitis B virus can temporarily paralyze the oculomotor nerve, the third cranial nerve that controls eye movement and pupil dilation. Symptoms include eye pain, headaches and failure of the eyes to dilate. If you experience these symptoms, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible.

• Optic Neuritis and Uveitis — Optic neuritis is an acute inflammation of the optic nerve, while uveitis is that of the front eye tissue. Both conditions seem to be an autoimmune disorder akin to an allergy due to the presence of HBV.

• Retinal Vasculitis — Vasculitis is an inflammation of optic blood vessels caused by waste matter from a bacterial or viral infection. Retinal vasculitis reduces blood flow to the retinal tissues, causing “cotton wool spots.”

Addressing HBV Complications to Your Eyes

Always continue the treatment as described by your hepatologist. However, you may supplement this with seeing an eye doctor, especially if the condition is interfering with your vision and daily activities.

Six One Six Vision Center is your leading provider of eyeglasses and personalized eye care. Call us today at (208) 514-1858 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We serve Eagle and Meridian, ID.