Hypotension-induced blindness in haemodialysis patients

Abstract

Hypotension is a commonly encountered complication in haemodialysis patients and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Bilateral visual loss in dialysis induced hypotension remains poorly recognized as a complication by both renal physicians and ophthalmologists. We report 2 cases of patients on renal dialysis who suffered severe longstanding hypotension with bilateral non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Both patients experienced bilateral loss of vision over a short time period. We feel that physicians must be aware of patients complaining of painless visual loss in this high risk group, as control of blood pressure may be the most important factor in prevention of this visually devastating condition.