Blurry Vision

[Mango1957]

I have recently begun treatment - I'm just about 2 months in. I began with a Rituxan infusion once a week for 4 weeks. Concurrently, I began Calquence (acalabrutinib) and Allopurinal, which I will take indefinitely. Shortly after beginning treatment, I began experiencing blurred vision, which continues.

As an aside, I have had dry eye for a couple of years, and have used drops for about 2 years now. I also got new glasses just prior to starting treatment.

I have run across information on this site and elsewhere that blurred vision can be a side effect associated with Ibrutinib, however, have not seen anything concerning blurred vision with Calquence or Allopurinol.

I have an appointment with my eye doctor this week.

Has anyone else here experienced this? I am able to function, but it's so annoying!

Appreciate any insight/experience you may have to share.

[Keepkicking]

Hi Mango,I'm on week 3 of Rituximab right now and I notice that my vision is definitely affected. The listed side effects don't speak much to vision changes but I would say that things are blurry and "glassy" in a weird sort of way.

Seeing your eye doctor is a good idea but don't expect too much help from them-- I have found that eye changes from cancer treatment are beyond the scope of most optometrists. You'll likely receive a referral to an ophthalmologist.

Best of luck with things.

[Mango1957 in reply to Keepkicking]

Thank you for 'validating' what I'm experiencing! And I know just what you mean when you describe it as blurry & 'glassy'.

My eye doctor is indeed an optometrist, and I bet you're right... a referral to the ophthalmologist is likely in my future. Yet another doctor appointment.

I had suspected this was being caused by the Calquence, but it's sounding more like the Rituxan may be the culprit. In any case, when I brought up the blurry vision with the P.A. at my last visit, she didn't have any insight into the cause. I requested to see the Doctor at my upcoming visit; hopefully he has seen this before.

[charliegirl]

Hopefully your optician has an OCT scanner which can show up any macular problem. I have developed macular oedema in both eyes over the last few months (not wet macular degeneration) which my ophthalmologist is treating with dexamethasone implants into the eye - and which seem to be working well.I'm having more investigations but have discovered that various drugs, including ibrutinib can cause this. I think it's pretty uncommon but worth getting properly checked anyway.

Charlie Girl

[Mango1957 in reply to charliegirl]

Thank you Charlie Girl. I hadn't considered that.

[hasta]

Hi, i had Rituxan Treatment (FCR) 6 years ago. I do not recall having blurry vision. It was a difficult treatment with nausea mainly but no blurry vision. I hope it is temporary. Take care.

[Mango1957 in reply to hasta]

Oddly enough, I had no difficulty with the Rituxan. I was told to expect being nauseated (among other things), but thankfully I did not have that. Go figure. 🤷‍♀️

[CoachVera55]

I experienced vision changes once I hit stage 4 & I do notice some strange eye changes now after starting Acalabrutinib these 5 days. My Sinus Infections started this process in motion tho. LORD help us🙌🏾

[Mango1957]

I saw my eye doctor who did an extensive exam. Late last year, I had evidence of early cataracts. It seems they have really escalated and I need surgery. She said it happens that way sometimes, not sure it's because I began CLL treatment, or if it just happened. In any case, I'm going to defer cataract surgery for a bit, and just replace my eyeglasses for now.