Eye Problems

Eye Problems and Cancer Treatment:

Related: Cataracts, conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, photophobia, and watery eyes.

Eye problems can occur for a variety of reasons.

In some cases, anti-cancer medications and medications used to reduce side effects may contribute to the development of some eye problems. Cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and chemo itchy eyes are some examples of eye problems resulting from cancer treatments.

Common Examinations for Eye Problems:

The following are common exams for eye problems that your eye doctor or healthcare provider may perform on you:

• Fluorescein or Rose Bengal staining: To perform this exam, your eye care professional or healthcare provider may put special eye drops into your eyes. Using a special light, they can see if there are any problems with the surface of your eyes. This may be done if eye problems include having eye pain, trauma, or a feeling of itchy eyes.
• Ophthalmoscopy: This is when your healthcare provider uses an ophthalmoscope, to look at the back of your eye. They can see the structures of the eye, such as the lens, retina, blood veins and vessels. Your healthcare practitioner may do this in the office, whenever you notice any eye problems.
• Pupil dilation: The pupil is widened with special eye drops, to allow your healthcare provider or eye care professional to look more closely at the back of your eye.
• Tonometry: This test is performed when the examiner wants to check the fluid pressures in the eye. It may be using a manual, hand-held device, or a more modern machine that blows a "puff" of air into your eye. Increased pressure in your eye may be a sign of glaucoma.
• Visual acuity test: Your eye examiner will use a chart to test how well you can see at different distances. This test may be performed when you are getting new glasses or contact lenses.

Conjunctivitis

Some medications such as capecitabine, carmustine, epirubicin, methotrexate, and oprevelkin may contribute to the development of conjunctivitis.

What is conjunctivitis?

• Many people know conjunctivitis as "pink eye."
• The name 'conjunctivitis' refers to the redness and inflammation that occurs around the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a clear, thin membrane that covers the white of the eye.
• Conjunctivitis can be allergic, viral or bacterial. Conjunctivitis is easy to get from dirty hands, washcloths, cosmetics or towels that have the bacteria, or virus attached to it. Such eye problems may also be an allergic reaction to makeup, cosmetics, contact lenses, or seasonal allergies.
• Most forms of viral conjunctivitis may go away on their own, with or without treatment. It may take 5 to 7 days for symptoms to resolve.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops to treat your condition.
• Allergic conjunctivitis will resolve when the allergic substance causing eye problems (false eyelashes, contact lenses, makeup) is removed.

What are some symptoms of eye problems to look for?

• You may notice redness, or swelling of the eyelids.
• Your may develop scratchy, watery or itchy eyes.
• You may notice pus or discharge from the eye. Your eyes could be sensitive to changes in light.

Things you can do about eye problems:

• With all forms of conjunctivitis, WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN, and avoid contact with family members, or those with an impaired immune system. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. If you must touch your eyes, wash your hands before and after contact. Touching your eyes may make the symptoms of the eye problem worse, and cause further irritation.
• Never share eye makeup, or eye cosmetics with anyone. If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, you must discard or throw away your makeup. If you wear contact lenses, they should be sanitized. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses while you are experiencing any kind of allergic, bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.
• Do not share towels or sheets with anyone while eye problems continue. If you have one eye that is affected only, use a separate towel or washcloth for each eye.
• If you have allergic conjunctivitis: Avoid contact with the substance that may have caused your allergic reaction.
• If you have bacterial conjunctivitis: Gently wash your eyelids with a warm, clean, moist towel to remove pus and discharge.
• If you have viral conjunctivitis: Your healthcare provider may suggest antihistamine pills or eye drops to relieve your symptoms of eye problems. However, it will take time for the symptoms to resolve.
• Do not go swimming in public pools if you have conjunctivitis.
• Follow all the instructions your doctor provides for your eye problems.
• Make sure to keep all appointments.
• Do not share your medications with anyone.
• Again, washing your hands often, and avoiding touching your eye, is the most important thing you can do!

Drugs that may be prescribed by your doctor for eye problems:

• For viral conjunctivitis: You may be given eye drops, such as naphazoline (Allerest^®), Clear Eyes^®, or many others that your healthcare provider may suggest. You may also be prescribed an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl^®).
• For Allergic conjunctivitis: Certain decongestant eye drops may help decrease irritation. Other medications, such as Claritin^® or Allegra^®, may be effective, if you have seasonal allergy symptoms.
• For bacterial conjunctivitis: Medications, such as ciprofloxacin, gentamycin or tobramycin eye drops or ointments may be used. Neosporin and polysporin ointments may also be effective in treating bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Do not share any of your medications with anyone!

When to call your doctor or health care provider about eye problems:

• If you develop any sudden severe eye pain.
• If you have a sudden loss of vision, or if you see halos around your eyes.
• If your eyes become sensitive to light, even for weeks after the redness has disappeared.
• If your symptoms of eye problems worsen or do not improve within 3 days of treatment - in all types of conjunctivitis.
• As always, notify your doctor or healthcare provider if you are concerned about any of the symptoms of eye problems you are experiencing.

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website about eye problems and other medical conditions is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Some medications such as isotretinoin and tretinoin may contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome. What is dry eye syndrome?

• Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears. The other name for dry eye syndrome is called keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
• Your eyes may produce excessive tearing, but dry eye syndrome may be causing a lack of an important chemical to lubricate your eyes, which may make them feel dry.
• Sometimes the cause of dry eye syndrome is unknown. However, it may be the result of certain types of medications, diseases, aging, or the environment.

What are some symptoms of eye problems to look for?

• You may notice a dry, or gritty feeling in your eye. It may feel like something is in your eye.
• You may notice excessive watering of the eyes.
• Your healthcare provider may use fluorescein or rose bengal staining in the office, if you complain of itchy eyes. This may help with the diagnosis.

Things you can do about eye problems:

• During the day, your healthcare provider may suggest that you use artificial tears, or ointments to help alleviate dry eye syndrome.
• You may also discuss with your physician or healthcare provider the possibility of surgery to correct dry eye syndrome.
• Follow all the instructions your doctor provides for your eye problems.
• Make sure to keep all appointments.
• Do not share your medications with anyone.

Drugs that may be prescribed by your doctor:

• Artificial tears, or similar ointments, may help alleviate dry eye syndrome.

When to call your doctor or health care provider about eye problems:

• If you develop any sudden severe eye pain.
• If you have a sudden loss of vision, or if you see halos around your eyes.
• If your eyes become sensitive to light.
• If your symptoms of eye problems worsen or do not improve within 3 days of treatment.
• As always, notify your doctor or healthcare provider if you are concerned about any of the symptoms of eye problems you are experiencing.

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website about eye problems including dry eye syndrome as well as other medical conditions is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.

Below are a few resources if you are interested in learning more about other forms of eye-related illnesses.

Glaucoma Research Foundation

200 Pine Street, Suite 200

San Francisco, CA 94104

Web site: http://www.glaucoma.org

National Eye Institute

Information Office

2020 Vision Place

Bethesda, MD 20892-2510

301-496-5248

Web site: http://www.nei.nih.gov

Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website about eye problems and other medical information is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.