Vision changes

Hello, the vision change happen to me. Before chemo I had 20/20 vision. Now I need prescription glasses for distance & night time. The doctors said soft tissue hug by chemo and probably permanent. My eyes stay dry too and I use extra drops for that on occasion.

Chemo can do more to your eyes than just cause blurred vision----trust me. You should see an ophthalmologist --- a good one will have state of the art equipment to access the damage.

Yes, chemo caused vision changes.  Even afterwards I have chronic dry eyes.  You are so right, it's the gift that keeps on giving!

Donna, What kind of treatment have you received for your chronic dry eyes? 3 weeks PFC I developed clogged tear ducts, blamed on Taxol. However, two years ago, I had clogged tear ducts in the right eye which corrected after having my tear duct drained, so as my ophthalmologist pointed out, I was pre-disposed to the condition and the Taxol tipped the scale. I have been twice to an ophthalmologist plastic surgeon who was able to drain the tear duct in one eye on the first visit. He said he could tell all his manipulation on the ducts was very painful for me, so I was back there a few days ago, where he inserted a needle of lidocaine in the most affected eye (Yowser! Very painful) and drained the tear duct. Both eyes are still watering. I go back in 6 weeks to see if they are any better. Although this may happen, I'm not holding a lot of hope. I don't think I want the surgery where they insert stents. Have you tried that? Or do you use eye drops (the ones on TV for Restasis?). I would love to know if you have found something that helps considerably.
Thanks. Paula

Hi Donna,

Thank you for your response! I think this may be the study.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/803924

"Tearing with Docetaxel Not Related to Lacrimal Duct Obstruction." It speaks to how common tearing and other eye issues are for those on Taxol, and says that these issues can resolve on its own. However, there is this caveat. "The study involved 100 women with early stage breast cancer AND NO PREVIOUS OCULAR SYMPTOMS..."
I'm thinking that the fact that I had experienced clogged tear ducts in one eye two years ago is a mitigating factor for me?
I truly appreciate the information and am taking it to both my regular ophthalmologist whom I'm seeing next week and to the opth. plastic surgeon when I follow up with him. In any event, I am inclined to say No to the stents!
Paula

Donna, I will keep everyone posted, as I'm sure I'll not be the only one (unfortunately) with this kind of a side effect from Taxol. You are wonderful in keeping everyone apprised of the latest in research. I appreciate it so much. Thank you!!

Paula