It has been shown that patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have an increased risk for changes in intraocular pressure during hemodialysis, or ocular dialysis disequilibrium which can cause pain or discomfort during treatment and lead to decreased vision over time. This is a case of an elderly male with ESRD who was having headaches, nausea, and eye pain during hemodialysis due to increased intraocular pressures. Using a higher sodium prescription resolved his symptoms and normalized his intraocular pressures. This case illustrates that modification in dialysate tonicity can decrease changes in intraocular pressures while patients are on hemodialysis, a vision saving consideration for patients.
Keywords: End-stage renal disease; hemodialysis; intraocular pressure; osmolarity; tonicity or effective osmolarity.
© 2019 International Society for Hemodialysis.