Hepatitis B is a serious medical condition caused by the HBV virus that affects the liver and can even cause liver cancer in some cases. It is typically transmitted through needle sharing, sexual contact, blood transfusion or passage from mother to child during birth.
Some of the common symptoms of HBV infection are fever, fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite and jaundice. Eye problems and complications may also develop due to HBV infection. In this article, Vienna Eyecare Center, a company that specializes in eye care and high-quality eyeglasses, discusses the effects of HBV infection on eye health.
Optic Neuritis and Uveitis
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, the nerve cable that connects the eye to the brain. Uveitis is an inflammation affecting the tissue in the front part of the eye. These conditions are typically caused by the antibodies and free-flowing immune system debris that the HBV infection brings.
Third Nerve Palsy
HBV infection can cause temporary paralysis of the third cranial nerve, which is responsible for eye muscle movement and changes in the size of the pupils. When a third nerve palsy involves the pupil, the condition is usually more dangerous. Make sure to see a doctor and get an eye exam immediately if you notice any changes in pupil size.
Retinal Vasculitis
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels and is often the result of debris left over from an invasion by either bacteria or virus such as HBV. When this condition occurs inside the eye and affects the retina, it’s called retinal vasculitis. Due to reduced blood flow, white spots develop in the retina, which are commonly referred to as cotton wool spots.
Vienna Eyecare Center offers top-notch eye care services as well as quality contact lenses. Call us at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We provide our expertise to clients in Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner, VA.
