Decreased appetite may occur if you have an illness such as a virus, but pregnancy and certain medications also may have this effect. Cancer patients or people with chronic conditions such as heart problems, kidney failure or hypothyroidism also could experience a change in appetite. If you do not eat well or have a low intake of nutrients, you may have complications, including low-blood sugar levels, a condition that may affect your vision.
Effects
Decreased appetite typically results in a significant decrease in the amount of food you consume, and this could result in serious complications. Your body requires food intake to function and provide you with energy, and inadequate food intake could result in malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies. As a result, you may have complications such lethargy, weakness or any number of symptoms resulting from low levels of a particular nutrient. For example, lack of vitamin A could affect your vision.
Low-Blood Sugar
In addition to symptoms of malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, poor food intake also may cause low-blood sugar levels. This condition, also known as hypoglycemia, may cause symptoms such as anxiety, pounding heart and confusion. Low-blood sugar also may cause your vision to blur or you may have episodes of double vision. If you do not quickly raise your blood sugar levels, you could experience more severe side effects, such as seizures or loss of consciousness.
Other Causes
Although you may have a decreased appetite, other conditions may affect your vision. In some cases, you may need a simple update of your eyeglass prescription due to the normal changes in your eyes. Conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma may cause gradual vision changes. These conditions may require treatment to resolve the condition or prevent additional damage.
Diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinal detachments typically may have a sudden onset. In the case of sudden vision changes, do not wait to seek treatment. Go directly to your eye doctor or emergency room, even if these changes occur at night or on the weekend. Immediate treatment of sudden vision changes may help prevent further damage, and may help reverse vision loss in some instances.
Considerations
If you notice a change in your appetite, inform your doctor. She may recommend testing to help determine if you have a health condition causing your symptoms. Tell your doctor what you have eaten recently as well as any other symptoms that may accompany your loss of appetite. This information may help your doctor detect the source of your symptoms.
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