Forum Discussion

Tri's avatar
Tri
Member
29 days ago

Eye health changes

Hi all, wondering if anyone else has experienced deterioration or changes in eye health? 
I’ve recently been diagnosed with early macular degeneration and a slight worsening of pre-existing glaucoma (a condition in my family). But on a day to day basis I have noticed my eyes (over the last five months) have been consistently red, sore and very dry, even after sleep (Hylo Forte drops relieves them) and even when I take a break from Letrozole, the daily Aromatase Inhibitor medication I use. I wondered if weakening eye health is one of the longer term side effects of chemotherapy treatment. It’s about a year and a half since I completed the 17 month TCHP chemotherapy and immunosuppressants, surgery and radiation treatment for triple positive invasive lobular cancer (ILC). I’ve seen a couple of posts on this topic dating back to 2017 or 2018. I am conscious my mother developed macular but she was in her early 80s when it presented and it compounded her sight issues from glaucoma so she effectively couldn’t drive or see faces and images. Whereas I am about to turn 64 (happy days!) this weekend, I’m still in the active workforce and I hope to have more of a runway with my eyesight to enjoy the environment, the arts and the beauty of family and friends. 

chemotherapy
family
treatment

10 Replies

  • Violet123's avatar
    Violet123
    Member
    18 days ago

    Thank you. I have Fuchs and although some of the associated symptoms have abated since I stopped work in September last year I have eyes that water a lot, which I was told was a possible side effect of chemotherapy. I will monitor my eye health. Thank you so much for sharing.

    • Tri's avatar
      Tri
      Member
      17 days ago

      That’s so interestingViolet123​ we all vary but the common thing js things have changed… thank you for sharing too! 

  • PrisMay1's avatar
    PrisMay1
    Member
    26 days ago

    I’ve been on AIs for 2 years now and my eye health has been deteriorating.  I’m 65 and also had AIs I’m my early 50’s. I have dry eyes and irritated eyes with my hay fever.  My eye pressure has also risen and I need glaucoma drops for that! My Drs don’t think they’re related but I think being on AIs does accelerate age related conditions.  

    • Tri's avatar
      Tri
      Member
      24 days ago

      ThanksPrisMay1​ that’s interesting about your glaucoma diagnosis and your experience, I am inclined to share your view. 
      I was a bit surprised about my ophthalmologist’s absence  of curiosity (when I asked about possible links) but I will see what the oncologist can tell me. 

       

  • Katie46's avatar
    Katie46
    Member
    28 days ago

    Hi Tri​ 

    My eyes have been dry since I started chemo 2 years ago, and didn't improve when I finished and swapped onto letrozole and abemaciclib.

    I've been to the optician several times, and they say my overall eye heath is fine, but I have very dry eyes. I also have more floaters than I used to. The dry eyes are worse at night when my eyes stick together. 

    On my last visit I was told I have a Blepharitis infection in my eyelashes 🤷‍♀️ and to use optisooth wipes which are infused with tea tree, and this seems to have improved things a bit. I'm also using Cationorm drops which I'm finding better than Hydro Forte at the moment (I think I have tried every eye drop in Chemist Warehouse). My optician also recommended it. 

    I think it's going to be a long term issue for me. I'm hoping it might improve a bit when I finish abemaciclib later this year.

    All the best Katie 

    • Tri's avatar
      Tri
      Member
      28 days ago

      HiKatie46​ that’s really interesting. My morning eyes sound the same! Can barely open them but eventually they decongest. Thanks very much for suggesting Cationorm, I will give it a go. 
      It’s good and I am glad for youKatie46​ that, so far, there’s no degradation in your overall eye health. 
      I just wonder about the chemo treatments and/or AIs - whilst they may not necessarily be causal in themselves, might they be like an accelerant. For people who might have a family history and who might have eventually developed macular, maybe we are triggered and the condition develops more rapidly (because of chemo or the sudden switching off of our hormones by AIs).  
      I am not sure if it’s too niche but maybe an optometrist and ophthalmologist with an interest in oncology issues could be interviewed in a BCNA​ podcast or article. 

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    29 days ago

    Hi Tri​ 

    Happy Birthday for this weekend xx. I hope you can go out & celebrate appropriately and that you are not currently affected by the bushfires in Vic  😪


    I believe my eyes have definitely deteriorated (more than just normal 'aging') since starting (and finishing) AIs.  I've been told that I have very minor cataracts that should not be affecting my sight yet.

    For 4-5 years now, I've been complaining to my Optometrist on my yearly check ups, that they are dry and have way more 'floaters' than ever before - and almost an opaque 'curtain' that affects my sight ... yet they check them & say they are NOT dry, there are no obvious floaters - and nothing they can attribute the 'curtain' to!  grrr

    I find I have to do very deliberate 'squinting' eye blinks, to 'rehydrate them' numerous times a day!    It must look funny to anyone looking at me, as I just do it 'as needed' .... they may think that I have a 'tic'!

    My husband had Wet Macular & needed injections into his eyes every 3 months.  Fingers crossed I don't ever need that!!

    take care, stay well xx

    • Tri's avatar
      Tri
      Member
      28 days ago

      Thank you arpie for the lovely advance birthday greetings :-) we’re very lucky to have been out of the fire districts this time - heart goes out to all folks affected by fire and flooding. 
      Thanks for sharing your experience with the eyes, the blinking made me laugh but I think it’s the recommended thing to do! Wet macular treatment sounds pretty tough, although I’ve heard it can be very effective for some people. My type is “dry”. Thanks as always for your care and support. ❤️