Chemotherapy and worsening of eye-sight

Late to this discussion - just wanted to add that chemotherapy CAN affect your eyesight!

I was on Vinorelbine and Carboplatin and noticed I had a lot more solid black 'floaters' and also flashes of light in the dark.  I also had developed a kind of gauzy veil on both eyes (worse on the right) which moved around as the eyeball moved!

Test revealed calcium deposits on either side of the cornea (the veil) as well as the floaters - the specialist said it was entirely due to the chemotherapy and there's nothing much to be done about it!

If you are have a problem - always worth getting it checked out!

Wanted to add my experience and confirm that my vision has also deteriorated during chemotherapy.

Have had 4 sessions of Taxotere + Endoxan for breast cancer. As I am 46 I had already started to have Presbyopia (a condition where, with age, the eye exhibits a progressively diminished ability to focus on near objects - need for reading glasses).

As a result I couldn't actually believe my eysight was getting worse because of chemotherapy, I just thought my Presbyopia kept progressing.

I discovered that it is more than that, when trying different lenses in order to be able to read (less or more powerful lenses) and it didn't really work. 

Thought I'd just wait for a few months after chemo to see if this symptom diminishes before getting my eyes tested.

But how long after chemo should one wait before deciding the symptom is not going to wear off?

I have  GMB4 brain tumour. It is located behind my right eye.  I had a biopsy that debulked the tumour from the area. Since the operation I have felt minor pressure on the rear of the eye, which I have put down to intermittent swelling.  I have had my eyes checked and new glasses.  Still have minor focus problems, especially when tired (often,  due to PCV chemo), but it comes and goes.  Keep an eye on it (sorry")and if worried or it gets worse, get it checked out.  DavidE

I have  gritty eelinghg behind my righteye After aneye check including retinas photo, told t was due to lack of n recommended artifical tear drops. morning and night.  Worked ok and the gritty feeling has gone away

Hi Kat!

  I have had 7 chemotherapy treatments and my vision is blurry.  this is quite scary!  losing my hair was terrible but blurry vision is terrible!!

  I am praying that this issue will go away soon!!

  Linda

Hi Linda , 

I too noticed that my eyes were blurry - I wear glasses all the time - shortsighted - so thought it was just my eyesight getting worse.

I also had dry gritty eyes - used eye drops which helped.

I've just had surgery for stomach cancer n will have chemotherapy again so will wait till after recovering from.chemotherapy before getting my eyes checked.

And yes I totally agree - losing my eyesight is worsethen losing my hair.

Take care 

Nita 

I am starting chemotherapy soon and long overdue a eye test, going by the comments here it looks like I should wait until after I finish my course. 

Hi - yes I'd wait for the eye test. I found my eyesight did get a little better after chemotherapy stopped. Best to wait for a few weeks after chemotherapy stops.

All the best with the treatment.

Thank you.