I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Loretta on August 16, 2008, 12:40:57 AM

Title: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Loretta on August 16, 2008, 12:40:57 AM
Well I got my labs back today.  My Phosphorus is high again!  I thought I was doing better!!!
Anyway as I was reading this little printout that came with my labs it said that high phosphorus can make your eyes red?  I had never noticed that before.  Can it also make them itch?  I have felt like I had bad allergies in my eyes lately and now I am wondering.
Anybody know anything about it?

I feel like I need to just quite eating, but my protein is low!

Loretta
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Sluff on August 16, 2008, 05:57:21 AM
High phosphorus causes itching, so that could be the culprit. I'm not sure but it makes sense.
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Orange County Ca on August 16, 2008, 08:34:46 AM
I had bleeding into the orb but I can't remember the exact cause while I was on dialysis.

It did not cause major concern at the time but definitely tell your Doc any symptom that crops up.
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: G-Ma on August 16, 2008, 10:53:44 AM
Loretta...no don't quit eating.  My phos kept going up and down and found out the months I was drinking all one kind of Crystal Light, the phos went up.  Some Crystal Light has more phos in and the dietician helped me with this, also said not to drink ice tea out of those plastic bottles, to make my own at home and since I made that switch I'm at 4 phospherous.
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Wallyz on August 16, 2008, 11:00:08 AM
Good point, they make the biggest deal out of meat and dairy, but some drinks have a lot of Phosphoric acid, which is the main culprit.

Not drinking processed or packaged drinks seems to be the best way to combat this  source.
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: G-Ma on August 16, 2008, 11:05:26 AM
Yes and I'm now eating  more meats, beef bologna, cheeses and some dairy and my numbers are great.  As we all know each individual is different and this is the case with so many of these numbers too.
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Loretta on August 16, 2008, 11:06:35 AM
Well G-ma that might be it!  I use a no name crystal light product quite a bit.  In fact I mix it a gallon at a time and then drink from it for days and days.  I'll have to check the ingredients, maybe it doesn't even say anything, but I will lay off of it for awhile and see if that helps.
Have you found that some flavors have less phosphorus others.

Thanks so much,
Loretta
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Mercurial on August 16, 2008, 11:57:35 AM
Not all nutritional values are disclosed on product labels.  Dieticians usually have the full information, or know how to get it, so just ask.
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Lori1851 on August 16, 2008, 01:35:04 PM
They make a drink just like Crystal Light its Walmart brand. You an get individual packets or lil canisters which I use. Its great and sugar free!!! Its on aisle 6 at our Walmart. Also, do you take phosphate binders everytime you eat? I know Dustin took 4 at each meak and some when he would ahve a snack.

Lori/Indiana
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: G-Ma on August 16, 2008, 01:45:09 PM
Yes, I use the Walmart brand as long as it doesn't have anything Phos on the ingredients label.
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Bajanne on August 17, 2008, 07:27:30 PM
I am ashamed to say it, but I haven't taken my binders for about two months until two days ago.  I saw the nephrologist and he said that my phosphorus was high and my calcium just normal (which is not good, he said).  I started back taking my binders (I use Tums) at every meal. Hopefully, my next blood works will show the difference!
I find it hard to remember medication.  I should be taking aspirin therapy, but I forget that too.  I hope this will remind me to do what I have to do.
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: KICKSTART on August 18, 2008, 03:13:05 AM
High phosphorus does cause itching and can also cause 'red eyes' if thats any help .
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: devon on August 18, 2008, 09:51:27 AM
Everyday I learn something more that explains something I've wondered about! 

Now I know why my eyes itch more that they used to.

Thanks for bringing this up.

-Devon
Title: Re: Phosphorus and eyes
Post by: Zach on August 18, 2008, 11:02:57 AM
You really need to get your phosphorus/calcium in balance, because this can lead to calcification of the small blood vessels in the eyes.

According to the National Kidney Foundation (U.S.A.) KDOQI Guidelines:

Serum concentrations of corrected total calcium should be maintained within the normal range for the laboratory used, preferably toward the lower end (8.4-9.5 mg/dl [2.10-2.37 mmol/L]).

Serum levels of phosphorus should be maintained between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dL (1.13 and 1.78 mmol/L).

The serum calcium-phosphorus product (Ca X PO4) should be maintained at less than 55 mg2/dl2. This is best achieved by controlling serum concentrations of phosphorus within the target range.

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