Anaemia is one of the most common blood conditions, often caused by iron deficiency and silently affecting thousands of Brits every year. It impacts the functioning of different body systems, including eye health. Let us understand what anaemia is, how it may happen, what ‘anaemia eyes’ are, how to identify and treat it and more.
What is anaemia?
Anaemia can simply be defined as a condition in which the body has fewer red blood cells (RBCs) containing haemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. RBCs live for approximately 90 to 120 days and the body continues to produce new cells at a steady pace.
A deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin reduces the oxygen supply throughout the body with the inability to transport carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs for exhaling. This puts more pressure on the heart, brain and immune system, causing symptoms ranging from mild fatigue and yellowing of the skin and eyes to severe health problems. Anaemia may happen due to any of the following key reasons:
- The body is not producing sufficient levels of red blood cells
- Unnatural destruction of red blood cells that precedes their production
- Loss of red blood cells due to excessive bleeding
Common symptoms of anaemia
The symptoms usually depend on the cause, severity and progression of anaemia. During the early stage, there may be no noticeable symptoms, but as the condition advances, the following symptoms may appear:
- Tiredness and weakness
- Shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat
- Skin becoming paler or yellowish
- Chest pain and headaches
- Cold hands and feet
What does the term ‘anaemia eyes’ mean?
Normal haemoglobin levels are essential for optimal eye health, as they help regulate the flow of oxygen to the eyes. As anaemia restricts this flow, it can affect both the visible parts of the eye and its internal structures. Let’s understand how anaemia turns normal eyes into ‘anaemia eyes’ by affecting the outer and inner parts of the eye.
Outer part of eye
In most cases, when you compare an anaemic eye vs a normal eye, you will find that the colour of the sclera (white part of the eye) changes and the inner surface of the lower eyelid loses its usual healthy redness. Most noticeable signs include:
- Bluish sclera: In certain forms of anaemia, particularly iron deficiency anaemia, the whites of the eyes may turn faint blue.
- Yellow coloured sclera: In conditions such as haemolytic or sickle cell anaemia, the sclera may appear yellowish.
- Pale inner lower eyelid: One of the primary signs of low iron in eyes is when the inside of the lower eyelid turns pale or washed out instead of a normal pinkish red.
Some people may also experience eye fatigue, reduced contrast sensitivity, or mild blurring due to decreased oxygen delivery to ocular tissues.
Inner part of the eye
Anaemia can also affect the retina (light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye). The more severe the anaemia, the greater the risk of retinal changes. In severe cases of anaemia, it can lead to anaemic retinopathy, which is characterised by:
- Hypoxia: Reduced oxygen supply (hypoxia) can affect retinal tissue. When checking for anaemia in the eyes during a dilated eye examination, an optometrist may detect areas of poor oxygenation, sometimes appearing as cotton wool spots.
- Transient retinal haemorrhages: A lack of oxygen can weaken retinal blood vessels, causing them to intermittently leak small amounts of blood or fluid, leading to temporary retinal haemorrhages.
Treatment for ‘anaemia eyes’
Treatment is determined by the type and severity of anaemia, making it important to carefully monitor every sign of anaemia in the eyes. To treat less severe cases of anaemia, your eye health provider may advise iron supplements, vitamins and dietary changes to help support the production of red blood cells. For dry eye management, due to low iron levels resulting in poor tear production, lubricating eye drops can be recommended by an eyecare professional. However, if anaemia becomes severe, detailed medical tests need to be done for proper diagnosis and treatment by your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are anaemia symptoms in the eyes?
Anaemia can cause noticeable paleness of the inner eyelids and a change in the colour of the sclera, which is a common clinical sign. Some patients may also notice eye strain, reduced contrast sensitivity, or mild blurring.
Can yellow eyeballs mean anaemia?
Yellowing of the eyes is not a typical sign of anaemia. It is a symptom of jaundice which usually indicates elevated bilirubin levels, often linked to liver conditions or certain types of haemolytic anaemia. However, if your eyeballs continue to look yellowish for days, it is always recommended to see a medical professional.
Can low iron affect eyesight?
Yes, low iron levels can indirectly affect vision. Iron-deficiency anaemia may reduce oxygen supply to the retina, leading to symptoms such as blurred vision, reduced visual clarity, or eye strain. In severe or prolonged cases, it may contribute to retinal changes.
Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eye care professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.
Having graduated from City and Islington College in 2016, Krina Halai is a certified Dispensing Optician working with Feel Good Contacts. With 13 years of experience in the optical field, she has worked in multiple practices, including Boots and Specsavers, performed paediatric dispensing, supervised and trained future optical professionals and triaged patients for numerous spectacle fittings, repairs and adjustments. She has also taken an online course on myopia control and helped many children prevent their myopia from progressing.
