The effect of hemodialysis on macular thickness

Introduction/Objective. During hemodialysis (HD) treatment great fluctuations were recorded in the systemic hemodynamic parameters and in the volume and composition of ocular fluid. There are only a few studies that analyzed the effect of HD on retinal and macular thickness with conflicting results. Objective of this study was to determine macular thickness, marked as central foveal thickness, average macular thickness and macular volume, shortly before and after HD. Methods. This prospective study included 30 chronic renal failure (CRF) patients of HD treatment. Thorough ophthalmologic examinations were performed including evaluation of best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and slit-lamp examination of all eye segments. Macular thickness was determined by optical coherence tomography shortly before and after HD. The next parameters were evaluated: central foveal thickness, average macular thickness and macular volume. The correlation between systemic parameters and macular thickness changes during HD was tested. Results. There were significant changes in body weight and blood pressure pre- and post-HD. Results showed macular thickness (central foveal thickness, average macular thickness and macular volume) decreased, but the change was not significant. There was no significant correlation between systemic hemodynamic parameters and macular thickness changes. Conclusion. Results of this study showed there was no statistically significant changes in macular thickness CRF patient undergoing HD. Further research on a larger group of patients and a longer follow-up time are required to confirm these findings.