Breast Cancer Treatment and Protecting the Eye | Breast Cancer Awareness Month

​According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. The American Cancer Society reports in 2019, about 268,600 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. While the vast majority of breast cancer cases involve women, roughly 2,670 men were also diagnosed.

Breast cancer is treatable, often with a combination of medication and surgery. Although treatment is needed, it can have side effects, including those that may affect the eyes. 
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Keep reading below to learn more about how breast cancer treatment can affect vision and what you can do to maintain healthy eyes. 

Breast cancer treatment 

The good news is breast cancer is highly treatable. The earlier a diagnosis is made, usually better the prognosis. Mammograms and self-breast exams have helped improve early diagnosis and outcomes.

The treatment for breast cancer often depends on the stage of the disease and the tumor type. In general, breast cancer treatment may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Hormone therapy 

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How breast cancer treatment may affect the eyes 

Although treatment for breast cancer can be lifesaving, it can also have side effects. Certain treatments may cause ocular side effects. Most of the potential eye side effects are due to certain types of chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

Possible ocular side effects due to breast cancer treatment include:

• Dry eyes
• Pink eye
• Blurry vision
• Itchy eyes
• Redness
• Watery eyes

Certain types of breast cancer may be more likely to grow due to the hormone estrogen. Tamoxifen is an estrogen receptor modulator, which means it blocks the effects of estrogen. By blocking estrogen, it may decrease the risk of cancer returning. Tamoxifen can have a role in the treatment of breast cancer in some cases. Tamoxifen is a medication that in particular may lead to eye side effects.

After initial cancer treatment, a doctor may prescribe tamoxifen for several years. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some research has indicated that long-term use of tamoxifen can lead to eye issues, such as irritation, dry eyes, and cataracts.

Research in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment studied the effects of tamoxifen in women being treated for breast cancer. The study included 1,297 women. The researchers found that women that used tamoxifen for more than five years had an increased risk of cataracts, but the side effects of tamoxifen usually go away once the medication is discontinued. 
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Keeping the eyes healthy during breast cancer treatment 

If you are going through breast cancer treatment, you probably have a lot to think about, but keeping your eyes healthy during treatment is important for your overall wellbeing. Consider the following suggestions:

Get a baseline eye exam: If possible, before you start breast cancer treatment, get a baseline eye exam to identify any issues. You can also talk to your eye doctor about any special precautions you can take to protect your eyes.

Learn about side effects: Before treatment, talk to your oncologist about possible eye side effects. Knowing what to watch for can help you spot problems early.

Contact your doctor right away with any eye problems: If you notice any changes to your vision or eyes, let your doctor know as soon as possible.

Protect against infection: Certain chemotherapy drugs may suppress your immune system and increase your risk of infection. Take steps to prevent eye infections, such as extra handwashing and avoiding rubbing your eyes.

Ask about eye drops: If your eyes become dry or irritated, ask your doctor if eye drops or artificial tears are an option to ease symptoms. It may also help to wear glasses instead of contact lenses if your eyes are irritated.

Going through breast cancer treatment can be a challenging time, but learning about potential side effects, including those that can affect vision, is helpful to decrease complications.

If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, give our office a call at 508-746-8600.