Does anyone know about cataract as a result of chemo?

[hammyj]

My optician told me that I had a slight cataract (I'm only 44!) probably as a result of chemotherapy.

[HAIRBEAR_UK Founder Admin]

Hi Hammy did this cause a prescription change?

Chemocare.com chemotherapy side effects - Eye Problems

chemocare.com/chemotherapy/...

Suggests:

• "Some medications such as bexarotene, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisone, prednisone and tamoxifen (in very rare cases) may contribute to the development of cataracts."

Were you on steroids for a while as part of a therapy?

CLL Topics - Steroid Therapy and Potential Diseases of the Eye clltopics.org/Alert/direct_...

Here is an interesting article from MD Anderson www2.mdanderson.org/depts/o...

Excerpt:

“Cataracts are particularly common in cancer patients who have received steroids. Whether administered as eye drops or systemically as part of a chemotherapy regimen, steroids can induce or accelerate the growth of cataracts. Cataracts may also result from radiation therapy to the eye, brain, or total body.

Cataracts resulting from cancer treatment can be initially managed much like cataracts from other causes. Often, Dr. Kim said, all that is needed to improve the patient’s vision is an updated prescription for glasses. When cataracts cause vision loss that affects the activities of daily living, surgery should be performed to improve the patient’s quality of life. Dr. Kim said, “There are unique surgical considerations related to a patient’s current and previous cancer treatments. As a result, it is always optimal for the surgeon to understand the patient’s cancer history.””

Nick

[hammyj in reply to HAIRBEAR_UK]

No prescription change. Yes I did have steroids as part of my treatment which apparently causes it

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Since diagnosis, I was advised to have an annual check-up with my ophthalmologist.

This was reconfirmed to me, when I had shingles that effected my eye recently and lower eye lid. In my case it was not ocular shingles HZO, but we need to be aware of the complications of CLL and related problems... It is a general misconception, that shingles reactivation only occurs during or after treatment. Shingles can occur at anytime.

'Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), or ocular shingles, is caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus. The condition produces a striking picture, with a blistering, crusting rash confined to well-demarcated areas of the body. Herpes zoster can occur anywhere in the body but is unfortunately common on the face and in and around the eye. Some serious complications can result if this occurs in the eye.'

uveitissociety.org/pages/di...

Further...CLL and the eyes....

While it is quite rare, CLL can infiltrate regions of the eye. Here is a brief overview with links to other studies...

eyecancer.com/conditions/27...

[lawnman]

Hi All when I had FCR chemo I was due an annual eye test in the middle of treatment. When I tried to book a test they told to wait 3 to 4 months after I had finished because chemo could affect the results. When I had the test 6 months later my vision had not changed and I went a further 2 years before new glasses were needed. Best Wishes to all. Trevor