Symptom 2. Blurred Vision: A Veiled Look into Hyperviscosity
One doesn’t often link vision problems with blood consistency. However, in the context of hyperviscosity syndrome, blurred vision stands out as a significant symptom. Within our eyes, tiny blood vessels supply the retina, a layer responsible for capturing visual information.
When blood turns thick, these delicate vessels face a challenge. The dense flow may not supply adequate nutrients and oxygen to the retina. Over time, this can lead to weakened vision and the sensation of looking through a foggy window. This blurring isn’t due to any issue with the eye’s lens but originates from the compromised retina.
Further complications can arise. For example, blood vessels in the eye can become more prone to breaking or leaking. When these breakages occur, they can cause floaters, tiny spots or strings that float into one’s field of vision. These can be fleeting or might linger, depending on the extent of the damage.
Additionally, the eye can become red and inflamed. This isn’t conjunctivitis or any typical eye infection but is a direct result of the thickened blood’s effect. The reduced blood flow can cause the blood vessels in the whites of the eyes to become more prominent, giving them a bloodshot appearance. (2)
