Barb73 Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 http://www.cancerwise.org/january_2009/ ... olor=green ARTICLE: . . . . . . . . . If you’ve been treated for cancer and have eye problems, tell your oncologist and have it checked out. Conditions may range from minor problems that can be treated readily to others that can progress and lead to something more serious if untreated. “Eye problems are common with all types of cancer treatment,” says Stella Kim, M.D., associate professor in M. D. Anderson’s Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery. “Blurry vision, for example, is one of the most common symptoms, and it’s difficult to assess whether it represents a minor problem or serious sight-threatening condition. I tell my patients, ‘When in doubt, check it out.’” Treatment-related symptoms include: Blurry vision Difficulty seeing at night Redness Sensitivity to light Dry eyes Watery eyes Discharge Pain “Once treatment stops, many eye problems may resolve,” Kim says. “But, as we know, knowledge is power. Having an eye examination helps cancer patients understand exactly what they’re experiencing, even if it is a minor problem. More importantly, if their ocular symptoms represent a serious problem, then we can take care of it immediately.” All types of treatment affect the eyes Anyone 55 years old or older will have some eyesight changes due to cataracts, a clouding of the lens inside the eye, but that process can be greatly accelerated after cancer treatment. Many types of cancer treatment can cause eye problems including chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants and targeted therapy drugs. Radiation to the eye region can cause numerous eye problems, such as dry-eye syndrome, cataracts and even severe problems with the retina and optic nerve. Patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplants can develop ocular graft-versus-host disease, in which donor cells affect the eyes and cause problems elsewhere in the body. Chemotherapy can increase likelihood of infections, which may involve the eye. Determining the severity of symptoms M. D. Anderson patients with eye problems are referred to ophthalmologists within the cancer center. Kim and her colleagues treat patients with eye cancers and care for cancer patients who may require evaluation during treatment. “The difference between community ophthalmologists and those at M. D. Anderson is that our practice is geared specifically to treating cancer patients,” Kim says. Seek a specialist for cataracts One of the most serious eye conditions caused by cancer treatment is cataract, which can cause decreased vision. Cancer patients with cataracts should be managed by an ophthalmologist from a cancer center or by a board-certified ophthalmologist in collaboration with the patient’s oncologist. “Most cancer patients are at higher risk of infection than the average cataract patient,” says Kim, who is the cataract surgeon for M. D. Anderson patients. “We use special pre-surgical and post-operative treatment procedures to treat cancer patients undergoing cataract surgery that are not typically done elsewhere. To optimize success of cataract surgery, it is important for the cataract surgeon to understand the history and types of cancer treatment the patient has had or continues to receive. Patients can help preserve their vision The most important issue for patients to remember is to be their own advocates for eye care. “Prior to undergoing cancer treatment, patients may benefit from having an eye exam,” Kim says. “Having a baseline exam before any treatment can be very helpful if any eye problems occur during or after treatment." . . . . . . . . . (CancerWise, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, January 2009) Disclaimer: The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaroleHammett Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 Hi, Barb and thanks for the posting. Also, a reminder that cataracts are also a side effect of Prednisone, a drug often prescribed to lung cancer patients who have developed radiation pneumonitis from radiation therapy. Affectionately, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 Thank you, Carole, for that extra reminder about the prednisone. Glad to know anything of which to be aware. Love, Barbasa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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