Cancer and its treatments affect vision
Can cancer treatments affect the eyes?
Yes. Some treatments used to fight cancer can cause side effects in the eyes. In many cases, these are mild and temporary, but in others they may require assessment and specific treatment by an ophthalmologist.
Every 4th of February is World Cancer Day, a key date for raising awareness about prevention, early diagnosis and advances in treatment. However, in addition to the general effects, it is important to know that cancer treatments can affect vision, so taking care of your eye health is essential during and after treatment.
At our ophthalmology clinic, we emphasise the importance of ophthalmological monitoring in cancer patients to detect any visual changes early on and preserve quality of life.
Main cancer treatments and their effects on vision
Chemotherapy and ocular effects
Chemotherapy can affect eye tissue and cause symptoms such as:
- Dry eye and gritty feeling
- Excessive tearing
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Temporary blurred visión
Immunotherapy and targeted therapies
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have been a major advance in oncology, but they can cause eye inflammation even months after starting treatment. Among the effects described are:
- Uveitis
- Macular oedema
- Inflammation of the optic nerve
Radiotherapy to the head and neck
When radiotherapy is applied near the eyes, it can cause:
- Severe dry eye due to damage to the tear glands
- Cataracts
- Damage to the retina or optic nerve
Hormone treatments
Some hormone treatments, used especially in breast and prostate cancer, may be associated with:
- Dry eyes
- Mild blurred vision
- Transient visual changes
In general, these symptoms are usually mild and reversible.
Importance of ophthalmological follow-up in cancer patients
An ophthalmological examination before starting cancer treatment and regular check-ups afterwards allow for the early detection of possible visual complications.
It is advisable to see an ophthalmologist if symptoms such as the following appear:
- Loss or decrease in vision
- Persistent blurred vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Excessive sensitivity to light
- Severe dry eyes or continuous tearing
Caring for your vision also means caring for your quality of life
A multidisciplinary approach, with coordination between oncology and ophthalmology, allows cancer to be treated without neglecting visual health. Eye care is part of comprehensive cancer patient care, both during treatment and in subsequent follow-up.
If you are undergoing cancer treatment or have recently undergone treatment and notice changes in your vision, consult your ophthalmologist.
Authors:
Dr. Eva Salinas – Eye Doctor Medical Retina Specialist at VISIONKER – Torrevieja (Alicante)
Sandra Manzaneque – Optometrist at VISIONKER – Vega Baja (Alicante)
Irene Carretero – Optometrist at VISIONKER Eye Clinic – Guardamar del Segura (Alicante)
