Vision Changes

What is it?

There are a number of eye problems which can occur as a consequence of your chemotherapy treatment and a number of eye issues which can result from the "side effect" medications subsequently given. For instance, steroidal medication, which is often administered before, during and after your chemo treatment, can contribute to the formation of cataracts. Chemotherapy can and does actually seep out through your tears causing blurriness and excessive watering. Contrarily, certain types of chemo drugs can actually block your tear ducts.

The most frequent chemo-related vision complaints include dry eye syndrome, blurriness, difficulty in bright lights, itchy eyes, problems focusing and conjunctivitis.

A rigid regime of hand washing can help prevent outbreaks of conjunctivitis and other common eye infections.

Conventional Wisdom:

Some eye problems can be resolved with liquid tears, prescription eye drops and/or oral medication. An ophthalmologist may be required for consultation in more severe cases.

Other forms of testing may need to occur when eye problems are accompanied by symptoms such as severe headaches or facial pain.

Self Help:

Patients need to be reminded that many types of chemotherapy cause hair loss and hair thinning including the loss of eyelashes. Eyelashes are not only pretty but are essential for eye protection. Wearing sunglasses or some form of eye protection outdoors is recommended in all weather.

There are a variety of things one can do or avoid doing to soothe and alleviate non-critical eye problems:

• Use a cold "eye pillow" which provides soothing relief for sore eyes.
• Apply cucumber slices to your eyes.
• Avoid homemade eyewash solutions – they can easily contain contaminants if all elements are not sterile.
• Buy new eye makeup before your chemo treatments begin. If you develop an infection, throw out all your eye makeup and start over.
• Use a humidifier in your home.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses if you are experiencing dry eye or any viral infection.
• Don't share your facecloth or towels.
• Avoid “pushing” while trying to have a bowel movement.  Excessive pressure can break the tiny blood vessels in your eyes – as can blowing your nose too hard.
• Buy a pair of "reading" glasses to magnify typeface slightly - for occasional use only.
• Read in adequate lighting.
• Be extremely mindful of your eye condition when deciding to drive your vehicle.
• Exercise caution in the kitchen and while performing any task involving sharp tools.
• Use an e-reader with adjustable typefaces and backlighting or listen to books on CD.
• Your eye problems may be a result of a simple headache or migraine headache - try ibuprofen or acetaminophen .
• Eye issues are frustrating and complex - they affect all parts of your body from balance to simple functioning. Remember that many of the non-critical eye conditions resolve themselves with time and patience.

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