Imbruvica and macular degeneration

[thezman360]

Has anyone developed macular degeneration of the eyes while on imbruvica?

[Upthenorth]

I haven’t had an eye exam in, probably, two years, but I notice lights—especially headlights at night, and brightness even on overcast days—seem to “dazzle” my eyes. I can feel a sensation—probably my pupils trying to shut down more than they are capable. Of course, eye issues at my age are not surprising, so I have never tied it to Imbruvica.

[Hidden in reply to Upthenorth]

Same here. Have had "night blindness" when driving since I was in my mid 50s, so I don't drive at all at night anymore. My husband also has night blindness so we don't go out much at night. Not safe for us.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

From brightfocus.org/macular/art...

"Age is a prominent risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. The risk of getting advanced age-related macular degeneration increases from 2% for those ages 50-59, to nearly 30% for those over the age of 75."

The median age for a diagnosis of CLL is in the early 70s, just when the risk of being diagnosed with macular degeneration is approaching 1 in 3. So statistically, there is a very good chance that someone will develop macular degeneration when they start on Ibrutinib, just because both are more likely to coincidentally occur in older people.

Neil

[lindalou5]

I don't know if the symptoms are the same, but I got macular edema quite soon after starting IB. I am sure that it was from the IB as since having treatment with shots in my eyes and stopping the IB, it has not returned.

[thezman360 in reply to lindalou5]

What do you mean IB? Imbruvica

[lindalou5 in reply to thezman360]

Yes imbruvica/ibrutinib

[thezman360 in reply to lindalou5]

thanks

[bronco1973]

I have noticed a change in my eyesight a year ago and was slightly improved with a new prescription but now a year later the same problem of visibility is present again, must see the optometrist again for evaluation.