Hepatitis B and C dangerous for eyes

Hyderabad: Eye problems due to Hepatitis B and C are often not diagnosed properly as the patient does not feel them at first. Despite showing no loss of vision, the infection causes damage near the eye ball region. Infection in the blood leads to itching and formation of pus in the eyes and retinal problems.

Senior ophthalmologist Dr Vijay Kiran said there was very little awareness on how hepatitis affects the eye. “People are not aware hence they do not get their eyes checked. Most patients with retinal problems, uveitis and ocular infection go to an ophthalmologist too late when treatment becomes very restricted,” he said.

Diagnosing a patient with the infection is difficult. Dr Sreelakshmi Nimmagadda, refractive eye surgeon, said those suffering from dry eyes continuously need to be evaluated.

“If a patient comes with the complaint for more than three times, it is important to check for any other infection in the body. With the number of hepatitis cases increasing, many are not tested for these conditions and are not aware till the last stage.”

Retinal vasculitis reduces the blood flow and oxygen supply to retinal tissues which could cause redness around the eyes, constant itching and discomfort.

“We are seeing end-stage chronic patients who were not aware that they were suffering from hepatitis. It is important for the general physician and the gastroenterologist to counsel them to get their eyes checked,” said Dr A. Nayak, consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon.

It is stated that 1 per cent of the 6 per cent of the population suffering from hepatitis is opting for eye treatment. The rest are not able to consult an ophthalmologist as deterioration at that stage is very fast and often eyes and vision are lost while the patient battles against the disease.

Handlers of patients need to be immunised

Immunisation is the only way to deal with the rising problem of hepatitis, say experts.  Those working in the health sector like nurses and paramedics must also be immunised.

A senior doctor said it needs to be ensured that this large group is protected. These health care members constantly come in contact with patient while also handling surgical equipment.

“There must be a government policy in place to ensure that they are protected,” he said.

Dr G Prasad, ophthalmologist, said, “The reason we are insisting on immunisation is because the eye is affected. The number of patients who are coming with these infections shows that there is a steady increase in this  trend.”