To understand this better, we spoke with Dr Manoj K. Singhal, Principal Director of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali.
5 Eye Symptoms Linked to Kidney Issues
The kidneys filter toxins and help maintain balance in the body. But when they start to weaken, some of the earliest signs may appear in unexpected places, like your eyes. Some of these symptoms, as per Dr Manoj are:
1. Persistent Puffiness
It's normal to wake up with puffy eyes, but if the swelling doesn't fade even after rest, it could point to protein leaking into your urine, a condition called proteinuria, which often signals kidney damage.
2. Blurred or Double Vision
Sudden blurriness may be tied to high blood pressure or diabetes-two major causes of kidney problems. These conditions damage small blood vessels in the eyes and can even lead to sudden vision loss.
3. Dry, Itchy Eyes
Many people with chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, experience dryness or irritation in the eyes. This happens when mineral balance in the body is disrupted, leaving the eyes feeling gritty or uncomfortable.
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4. Red or Bloodshot Eyes
Frequent redness can be a warning sign of uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes. In some rare cases, kidney-related conditions like lupus nephritis can also cause eye problems.
5. Difficulty Seeing Colours
Kidney disease can sometimes affect the optic nerve or retina, making it harder to distinguish certain colours, especially shades of blue and yellow.
When To Seek Help?
Not every eye problem points to kidney disease, but if these symptoms persist or worsen, it's worth getting both your vision and kidney health checked. Routine eye exams can sometimes reveal early warning signs before bigger problems develop.
If you notice changes in your eyesight alongside other symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or urinary changes, don't ignore them. Catching kidney issues early can make all the difference for both your eye health and your overall well-being.
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How To Protect Your Kidneys and Eyes
While some kidney issues are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and protect both your kidney and eye health, as suggested by Dr Manoj:

• Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar: High blood pressure and diabetes are major risk factors for kidney disease. Regular monitoring and a balanced diet can help keep these in check.


• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water supports kidney function and helps flush out toxins.


• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt, processed foods, and excess sugar.


• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity improves circulation and helps maintain healthy blood pressure, supporting both kidney and eye health.


• Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol: Both can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of kidney and eye problems.


• Schedule Regular Checkups: Routine blood tests, urine tests, and eye exams can help catch early signs of kidney issues before they worsen.

Taking care of your overall health is the best way to safeguard your kidneys. and your eyes from long-term damage.