There are many types of anemia. Common causes include iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, and folic acid deficiency. Certain chronic illnesses and traumatic blood loss can also cause anemia. 4
How can anemia affect your eyes?
One of the ways that a doctor can assess a person for signs of anemia is by looking at your eyes. Anemia may cause retinopathy (eye disease) in as many as 28% of patients.5
The eyelid is normally red when a proper red blood cell count is present.
If the red blood cell count is abnormal, the eyelid may appear spotty or white, indicating possible anemia. This test is somewhat unreliable but is a good basic indicator.
Your doctor may also look at the inside of your eye to evaluate the health of the blood vessels, whether there is any bleeding, or if your eye is not receiving enough oxygen. Lack of blood flow to the eyes can increase the risk of a ruptured blood vessel, also known as transient retinal hemorrhages.
Left untreated, anemia can cause permanent damage to your eyes, which can cause vision loss.
If your doctor detects signs of anemia, they will likely schedule further tests to determine if you are anemic. They will usually request a blood test and an iron test. This makes it easier to identify the root cause of the anemia. If the doctor requests follow-up tests to determine if you are, in fact, anemic, you may need to fast for 12 to 24 hours before the test to ensure accurate results.
How is anemia treated?
The results of your testing will determine the next course of action. Some types of anemia may be treated with medications, blood transfusions, antibiotics, lifestyle changes, or other therapies.
Anemia that is caused by nutrient deficiencies may be corrected with diet adjustments and supplements
Oral supplements are one way to improve iron, B12, or folic acid levels, but this can take time for the body to absorb enough of the necessary nutrients to correct low red blood cell counts.
Another option is IV infusion therapy. IV infusions of iron, B12, and other vitamins are much faster and more effective than oral supplements or injections. They may be a good choice for those suffering from severe anemia symptoms.
Final thoughts
Anemia is a common but serious blood disorder that affects millions of people every day. The symptoms can be debilitating depending on the cause and severity of the anemia. Once the cause of the anemia is known, it is usually possible to correct the condition through supplemental nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Check with your doctor if you notice any symptoms of anemia, and get tested as soon as possible because anemia can affect your eye health. Seeking testing, diagnosis, and treatment can help protect your vision for years to come.
At-Home Iron Infusion With Drip Hydration
Iron IV therapy is an efficient and convenient way to increase your iron levels quickly and effectively. With Drip Hydration's at-home treatment option, our team will come to your location to administer the IV, whether that be your home or office. You will be able to relax and carry on with your daily activities, while we take care of the rest.
Contact Drip Hydration today and schedule your appointment, our experienced team is here to help you achieve optimal iron levels and improve your overall health.
Book Iron IVIron IV Infusion - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iron infusion?
Iron IV Infusion is a therapy where an enriched saline bag with iron and other vitamins is intravenously administered.
Why would a patient need an iron infusion?
Patients typically need an iron infusion to correct low blood iron levels, although infusions may also be given in advance of a medical procedure. There are many potential reasons a patient might have low blood iron, including illness, certain medical conditions, side effects from other treatments, inability to absorb adequate iron from diet or supplements, and more.
What happens during an iron infusion?
A nurse will arrive at your location at your appointment time with the necessary equipment for your infusion. They will then administer a test dose via a needle and catheter to ensure that you do not have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in the infusion.
After your test dose, your infusion will begin. This process typically takes several hours. Following your infusion, you can resume activities as normal unless otherwise instructed.
How to prepare for an iron infusion
The most significant preparation required for an iron infusion is to ensure you set aside enough time for treatment. Unlike some procedures, there is no need to fast prior to this procedure.
- Iron infusions may take 3 or 4 hours, so bring a book, a game, music or podcasts, a computer, or sit near your TV so you can stay occupied during treatment.
- Eat breakfast, stay hydrated, and take your medication as normal unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may also want to consider having a blanket on hand if you get cold easily.
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