Letrozole/ Femara and eyesight

Eye problems are on the official side effect list, though very vague!

@romla - no I am not spooked just a realist - as soon as it happened I thought oh no here we go!  Anyhow this week is the OCT test - copy and paste from internet 

"...Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) ... To look out for the early signs of eye conditions, in case there's a more serious problem, we use an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device. It takes a detailed 3D image below the surface of your retina, giving us a more detailed picture of your eye health..."

This test is not covered by Medicare nor health insurance.

When I originally presented James said if we find anything untoward you are off to the Eye and Ear Hospital to see a specialist - however it was clear - I saw the photos but since then it has changed so now with appointments thus far and  this week I have to say they are keeping a watch

Will let you know how I get on and what Michael the Onc has to say about it all

To everyone else that's on these drugs it doesn't follow that you will have these problems however if something is not quite right don't muck about and get it seen to straight away as I did

Take care 

Yes @iserbrown I started it and still in the wars with my right eye - 3 operations under general anaesthetic and 2 laser surgeries this past 12 months all trying to control pressure to save my optic nerve and vision - the last surgery a week ago so apologies if spelling errors and thank goodness I can magnify text on my iPad.

I have read online eye bleeds have been noticed on Letrozole.Oncs have fully investigated Tamoxifen but AIs are new so much less is known.Letrozole did not initiate my glaucoma but coincidentally my eye pressure has spiked since I started taking it.I noticed in a report by the American Ompthamology association calling for observations on patients on AIs which I drew to the attention of my eye specialist.

I’d encourage you to visit an eye specialist - please ask around for a good one - as they have more accurate equipment for monitoring our eyes and I would hope greater knowledge.Also if there is a link between eye problems and AIs they are the medical practitioners who can bring it to public attention.

What I am curious about is menopause with its faltering oestrogen is acknowledged as a contributory factor to eye problems then surely AIs which aim to remove oestrogen for Er+ bc patients may have eye impacts too ?

Not trying to spook you @iserbrown but do follow up.

I have been on Femara since June and recently had an eye bleed - jury is still out but will be a topic of conversation with Onc early December.  The bleed was 3 weeks ago and last week went back for check up and normal eye checkup.  

Ever since I was diagnosed with BC my Optometrist always does a pressure test.  Last week was my normal eye check up and they found dead cells in the eye socket and a patch on the back of the cornea - had 3 appointments to check during the week and another follow up this week and then another will be booked in for the day before Onc visit.  Is it co-incidental or is it a side effect?  The dead cells have subsided with drops however the patch is still there - the drops are meant to be curative!

Upon reading Dr Google, which I am not a fan of as I can get my knickers in a twist, it would appear that there's a possibility of eye problems on this drug - geez it just keeps giving!

This post was started sometime ago by @Romla

That's a real Bugger, @Romla  - I feel for you & hope it settles down soon!  :(  

I had laser surgery on my eyes back in 2000 (I used to be almost blind without glasses - they were bullet proof!)  Now I just need them for reading - cheapie from the chemist!    From memory my last glaucoma test was OK .... but I've been noticing things just a little more blurry recently, but only been on Letrozole for a couple of weeks - it could be from too much computer!   LOL 

Thanks for the 'heads up'!

@Romla perhaps a coincidence however it almost sounds like it has been aggravated so it will be interesting to see what the Oncologist has to say about it!  It's an awareness for us all on all medications.  
If I remember right @Brenda5 had troubles with her eyesight after starting hormone therapy.

Take care and I do hope that you get on top of it, soon!

Can’t say for certain is a link @iserbrown just a coincidence and maybe one to look out for others not sure

Best wishes being sent your way as you get on the better side of this!  What a so and so!  the hidden extras

Not fair @Romla!  I hope it's something that can be controlled.  Let us know how you go.

Well that's a bugger @Romla. Bit rough to have to deal with this on top of everything else. Big hug, Kate xox