Cataracts/ET

[micky10]

Hi, does anyone know if having ET +JAK2 can contribute to getting cataracts?

Had sight test at weekend & was informed sight has changed a lot & that I now have cataracts & put on yearly check ups.

Back story is high platelets picked up at a regular blood donation in April 2023, finally referred to Haematologist at local hospital, blood test & scan confirmed April 2024 that I had ET +JAK2 & put on Aspirin. BMB done end of November, not got results yet, appointment with Haematologist was 3rd January now pushed back to 31st.

I have had two basal cell carcinoma removed from my cheek in 2021 so maybe cataracts due to sun damage?

Have not found the Haematologist I’m seeing very knowledgable in regard to ET, I asked back in July about needing a BMB after reading up online about the condition for him to say no, then October appointment he tells me I need a BMB!

[Mishie14]

Don't have reason to believe my cataracts had anything to do with ET or treatment drugs. I tried and could not tolerate HU and anagrelide, been on peginterferon going on 2 years. The latter may have vision side effect so see eye doctor every 6 months as precaution. I had cataracts develop over at least 12 years. Kept getting new prescription eyeglasses to compensate. This was all well before ET diagnosis and anything showing up in blood tests like high platelets. Eye doctor kept saying it's a sign of aging and sun, not to worry until they cause vision impairment to prevent driving. That happened in 2021. Had them removed in easy, quick surgery. The replacement prescription lenses work very well. If you need cataracts removed, don't fret about it. You are smart to double check cause of your cataracts and be aware ET may play a role. ET was not my cause but we are all different. Stay safe!

[RedCardRob in reply to Mishie14]

Make sure you get three, yes three, types of eye drops after the surgery....if and when you have an op. Steriliser, anti biotics and a growth steroid to regenerate the tissue.