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Iron deficiency anemia affects millions of people worldwide and results from insufficient red blood cells carrying hemoglobin, which transport oxygen throughout your body’s tissues.
Women, children and those living with chronic health conditions are especially susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. If this condition exists in your life, symptoms could include an impactful effect on the eyes.
What Are the Signs of Low Iron Eyes?
Anemia resulting from low iron levels can manifest in various symptoms, including ocular-related issues. Below are signs of iron deficiency affecting the eyes:
- Pallid complexion: Skin that appears unusually pale, including the inside of the lower eyelids.
- Periorbital dark circles: Dark circles under the eyes, indicative of iron deficiency.
- Visual blurring: Although no direct link exists between low iron and blurred vision, headaches and fatigue may indirectly impact vision.
- Dry or compromised hair and skin: Brittle, dry hair and skin may signify iron deficiency.
- Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue can result from iron deficiency, leading to discomfort.
- Aphthous stomatitis: Mouth ulcers may signify iron deficiency anemia.
Notably, the severity, age, and current health status can influence the varied signs and symptoms of iron deficiency. Should any of these symptoms occur, consulting a doctor is advised to ascertain the root cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Paleness of the Inside of the Lower Eyelids
One of the first indications that you could be anemic is pallor in the inner eyelids. This occurs when not enough red blood cells, known as hemoglobin, carry enough red pigmentation. To test for anemia quickly pull down lower inner eyelids to reveal fat layer within. When healthy this will turn bright pink within seconds; otherwise it may take more time or turn paler shades which is an indicator that you could be anemic.
Other parts of your body may also appear pale when anemia strikes, including your face and nail beds. Anemia may result from poor diet, excess bleeding or genetic conditions that prevent absorption of iron through intestinal absorption (pernicious anemia). Mild anemia often has no symptoms and only manifests itself by accident while severe cases can present serious health complications.
Blurred Vision
Blurry vision is one of the most commonly experienced eye conditions and usually doesn’t signal anything serious; however, it should always be discussed with healthcare providers as soon as possible to understand why your vision may have blurred and what the causes may be.
Blurred vision can often be caused by eye strain. This includes squinting to bring objects into focus, using the computer for long periods of time or reading in low lighting environments. Blurriness could also be indicative of conjunctivitis (pink eye), an infection such as glaucoma or iritis – conditions which could manifest themselves with this symptom.
Anemia can damage the retina – the inner portion of our eye that receives light and transmits signals to our brain in order to produce images – as well as cause bleeding within it; an eye doctor can often spot such cases during dilated exams. Untreated anemia may result in permanent vision loss; therefore early treatment is essential.
Dry Eyes
If your eyes feel dry, this could be an indicator of low iron levels in your body. Without enough iron in its supply chain, the eyes won’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood that feeds them and this may lead to symptoms similar to conjunctivitis.
Eyelids may appear pale from within when there is an iron deficiency, as red blood cells that give skin its color contain hemoglobin; low hemoglobin means eyes appear pale pink on inspection via mirror.
If your eyes feel dry often, supplemental lubrication such as eyedrops, gels or ointments may provide relief. For severe dry eye cases, however, your provider can prescribe autologous serum drops; this procedure involves placing temporary or permanent plugs into the tear drain (punctum) in the lower eyelid to keep more tears inside your eye and provide greater comfort.
Light Sensitivity
If the insides of your eyelids appear pale pink or yellow, this could be an indicator that you have iron deficiency anemia. Iron plays an integral part in red blood cell health which delivers oxygen throughout the body and deficiency can cause headaches during menstruation as well as fatigue.
Blurred vision can be an indicator of low iron levels, though not always. Blurry vision may also be caused by dry eyes, glaucoma, astigmatism or other eye conditions and diseases.
Consuming plenty of iron-rich foods and supplements can support healthy, clear vision while decreasing your risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Finding a “Goldilocks” balance with nutrients is key for comfortable vision; Dunaief’s lab is working towards this through gene therapies that deliver ferroportin directly into retinal cells to protect them against degeneration. In the meantime, make sure your diet includes ample sources of iron.
What Are Some Other Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Here are some other symptoms of iron deficiency anemia:
- Extreme fatigue: Iron deficiency anemia causes tiredness and lack of energy.
- Weakness: A general feeling of weakness may be experienced.
- Paleness: The skin, including lower eyelids, can appear pale.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially with exertion, is possible.
- Headache: Some with anemia may experience headaches.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy due to low iron levels.
- Cold hands and feet: Poor circulation leads to cold extremities.
- Irritability: Feeling easily agitated can be a symptom.
- Difficulty concentrating: Anemia affects cognitive function, leading to focus problems.
- Brittle nails: Weak, prone-to-breaking nails may indicate anemia.
- Pica cravings: Cravings for non-food items like ice or dirt may occur.
- Restless legs: Restless legs syndrome may be associated with anemia.
It is worth noting that the severity and presence of symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia can vary among individuals. Not everyone will experience all the symptoms. If you suspect that you have iron deficiency anemia, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How Is Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed and Treated
Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anemia:
– Medical history and physical examination: Doctors assess symptoms and medical history to detect iron deficiency anemia.
– Blood tests: These include:
- Complete blood count (CBC): Measures red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, typically low in iron deficiency anemia.
- Serum ferritin: Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores.
- Iron levels: Measures blood iron, revealing iron deficiency.
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin: High TIBC and transferrin levels signify iron deficiency anemia.
– Additional tests: May be required to identify underlying causes, such as gastrointestinal tract evaluations for blood sources.
Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia:
Treatment depends on the cause and severity:
– Iron supplementation: Primary treatment involves oral iron supplements like ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate to replenish iron stores.
– Treating underlying cause: Addressing conditions like gastrointestinal or menstrual bleeding is vital.
– Dietary changes: Including iron-rich foods like red meat, fish, beans, and spinach complements iron supplementation.
– Follow-up and monitoring: Regular check-ups assess treatment response and iron levels.
– Intravenous iron therapy or blood transfusions may be necessary in severe cases.
Consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for iron deficiency anemia, taking individual circumstances and medical history into account.
