Cataracts

[Buggerbear]

Can having PV and ET and taking medicines contribute to the rapid growth of a cataract? My vision has rapidly decreased in the last 2 month

[hunter5582]

The short answer is yes, PV/ET and some of the meds used to treat can cause vision loss. This is often due to issues in the retina. You can also experience visual migraines due to the MPN (scotoma, diplopia, scintillation) (note that these migraines can be silent/painless). As far as I know, cataracts are not related to MPN or the meds used to treat. Cataracts are age-related.

A pronounced loss of vision in 2 months is not something to ignore. It requires immediate attention. Cataracts typically progress slowly. It may be that what you are experiencing a MPN/treatment issue or something completely unrelated (e.g. dry eye, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, etc.). If you are experiencing retinal issues it is particular important to have that addressed ASAP.

Hope you get this sorted out ASAP.

[Buggerbear in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you Hunter as always.

I am still in shock about this news and reaching out to my oncologist. I was told that on a scale of 1 to 10, I was a 9. The optometrist recommended I have cataract surgery in the next week or two at the most. He said I was legally blind and using my left (good eye) to see and drive.

Would a ophthalmologist be able to determine more what is going on? It is like a film over my eye that rapidly progressed. I was told I had small cataracts but they grew very slowly...my other eye is fine. My age is about right for cataracts.

Hope you are feeling better with the COVID and Mom too!

[hunter5582 in reply to Buggerbear]

Your optometrist would be able to tell some things with a full exam. However, at this point you need to see an ophthalmologist. The film over your eye could be any of a number of things. There may well be something more going on than the cataracts. The good news is that it may be something easily resolved. Suggest you get it looked at ASAP.

[Rem31]

I’ve had cataracts for a few years but not yet bad enough for the usual surgery. A few months ago I saw a new ophthalmologist for another unrelated eye condition. After a thorough examination I was warned my cataracts are a type that could suddenly deteriorate and fast, and to get in touch promptly if that starts to happen before my next check up. Apparently it’s something intrinsic to the type of cataract rather than any other condition or medication but I don’t remember the name or description given... get in touch quick and they’ll be dealt with was what stuck.

I hope all will be good for you soon.

[Buggerbear]

Thank you Rem31 for your comment and helpful information,

I have been seeing my regular ophthalmologist for years, but he retired this past September. Due to COVID, I had not seen him since 2019. Cataracts were not a problem then. Good to know there are some types that deteriorate fast. The first available appointment with a ophthalmologist (who does cataract surgery) is February 2. Hoping for a cancellation sooner.

Will keep all informed

[Superwoman]

Hi Buggerbear, I have ET JAK2 positive and on Hydroxycarbamide and Aspirin and other tablets, but back in 2018 my vision in both eyes started to become blurred, also was getting auroras, was sent to hospital in 2020 as optician did a scan on my eyes and I had the start of VMT (vitro macular traction) this is where the gel comes away from the retina, also had laser treatment on both eyes to relieve pressure in my eyes, and had them checked again at the end of last year and they are still the same, left eye is worse than the right, but pressure is now good in each eye, got told it was an age thing even when I questioned could it be the Hydroxycarbamide they were unsure as they did not know what Hydroxycarbamide was, so they just said it was age related, the worse thing they did say is that if I get server pain and my sight goes, too get to A and E immediately. Even my Haematologist is not sure.

I do feel that the Hydroxycarbamide could be a factor as I have been on it since 2013 and my eyes have steadily got worse. My glasses are now a bit like huge magnifying glasses 🤓

Jean

[Borage in reply to Superwoman]

Now I am really worried Superwoman. I have been on Hydroxycarbamide for thirteen years. I have cataracts starting.

I have had VMT and floaters and it is happening again. Family history of glaucoma.

I was struggling to focus when driving yesterday, I haven’t driven much during Covid. My eyes didn’t seem to work together. I thought it was too much screen time.

My optician is not doing routine tests due to Covid. I think I had better phone him.

[Buggerbear]

Jean, WOW, you are indeed a "super" Superwoman!!! I can only imagine how frightening and scary that ordeal was for you in 2020!! But you came through it thank goodness! I believe the medications we take for MPN's do have serious side effects, but guess we have to pick our battles. The benefits outweigh the risks. I wouldn't care how big your glasses are as you can see. My heart goes out to you and I appreciate you sharing your experience with me. Keep being Superwoman!!

Yes, I took Hydroxycarbamide a couple of years ago, but could not tolerate it. Have been on ruxolitnib for over a year now for PV and ET. I lost a couple of fingernails in May and one has grown back and the other. my thumb, is about 1/3 growing back. Dr. said it was from the Hydro??

Have researched what drugs can cause eye problems, cataracts, glaucoma, and blurred vision and I have am currently taking:

Trelegy Inhaler - for COPD/breathing problems (over a year now)

Hydrochlorothiazide - for high blood pressure (many years)

Lovastatin - to lower cholesterol (9 months)

Ciprofloxacin - for UTI's (as needed)

[Lifam]

Mine were very bad, had my right eye cataract done last year, now waiting for my left eye done. Not sure if there are any medicine for that

[Buggerbear in reply to Lifam]

Thank you Llifam and hope after the next cataract surgery, your vision will be greatly improved!!

[Cja1956]

I start losing my vision at age 44. Everything was a blur. I was not diagnosed yet with ET. After six months of visits to optometrists, several visits to an ophthalmologist, and finally to a renowned eye hospital (Bascom Palmer), it was discovered that I had cataracts in both eyes. Nobody even thought to look for cataracts because I was so young. Eight years later I was diagnosed with ET.

[Buggerbear in reply to Cja1956]

Hello Cja1956, that is such a young age to have cataracts!! Hope you had the cataracts removed and your vision improved. It does make you wonder if there is any connection? Thank you for sharing!

[Cja1956 in reply to Buggerbear]

Yes they were both removed, one at a time, and my vision was restored. It was a very stressful time because I was still working as a teacher, I had two children at home, and a husband that didn’t understand what was going on. I even had an MRI to see if I had a brain tumor. As far as it being related to ET, I still don’t now. I know I had always been prone to migraines and I had many inflammatory issues like fibromyalgia and arthritis since my 30s. I kind of feel all of this was a progression to ET.Good luck with your surgery. It’s pretty quick and painless. Just make sure you find a surgeon that you trust.

All the best,

Cindy