Cancer Survivors Network

Ask about 'radiation-induced' cataracts.  I have them, and a couple of other folks have commented here about them as well.  I'm just over 2 1/2 years out from end of treatment, and my opthalmologist noted them six months ago.  I have a followup appointment tomorrow, actually, for him to check to see how much they have progressed in the six month interval.

Deb

Kari,

Just had my eyes checked and glasses updated.  Almost so little change I did not need to go.  It had been 2-years since my last eye appointment and 11 months post.

I do wonder what the future holds for me.  From the shoulders up things have changed.

Matt            

appointment with my Onc today....mentioned that I've been having problems with my eyes since treatment (LOTS of watering, still photo-sensitive, and they produce lots of goop)....she set me up with an appointment for the end of the month.  Of course, as with all the Dr.'s....the Onc thinks it may be a side effect of the rads....the rad doc says a side effect of the chemo....nobody ever says "Oh, this is common with what WE did."  Personally....I think it's a hang over from the 5FU...When I look up side-effects for that chemo, dry eye is listed as common...and even tho I have too much tears, they may not contain what my eyes need.  So yeah...getting eyes checked is a good idea....

p

Hello Kari,

I saw an opthamologist for concerns after tx's and surgery.  I think a regular optometrist will pick up on any changes or concerns if there apparrent.  Mine was for changes of the optic nerve, will be watching through out next few years.  Hopefully everythings just fine !   Hugs sent !   Katie

Thanks All,

Funny, we both had appts, since I should have gone during Dan's treatments. And they tagged us together through the their rooms. And the Doctor said he hasn't seen any chemo/radiation patients present with side effects in quite a few years. [My sarcastic wit, wanted to ask how many patients he's seen!, I was more than polite].

So at least it was somewhat reassuring. He said Dan had no issues from Chemo or Radiation but there is a tiny scar on his retina, where his eye might have leaked long ago. He said to watch that and make sure his vision doesn't change as he gets older. But sent him out with his drug store readers and said he was fine. I found out I have dry eyes, and another lens presecription, and some new eye drops.. Done for another year. This weekend of to pick out new frames.

Thank you all, we are looking out for potential side effects with everything, I'll add cataracts to the list - just in case.

Kari

You photo posting machine..., LOL.

I have had my annual visit each year over the lst few post Tx, very little change in my prescription progressives.

JG

that lacrimation was profoundly effected, as were my maxillary sinuses.  I noted visual changes during rads.  Decided not to have my eyes refracted for a few months after rads.  I was glad I didn't as my visual acuity returned to pretreatment levels a few months later.  My tearing slowed down pretty well, so I can't say a year later I notice any real change from pretreatment levels.  Sinuses are still a problem though.  On the issue of cataracts:  a cataract is a cataract is a cataract.  Easy to see when you are examined, and most of us are in the age group anyway.  Nothing speccial to worry about.

Pat

My eyes did not recover from two bouts of HBO, so I got them checked.  Sure enough, cataracts in both--about 15 years ahead of the normal onset.  I've since had both lens replaced.  The opthamologist told me that the leading suspect for the early development of cataracts was the corticosteriods I took to reduce swelling during rads--not the rads directly.  And, he told me that it can take from 12-24 months for the cataracts to develop.  I don't know how long mine were growing because I thought my blurry vision was a common side effect from the HBO treatments.

Either way, just another example of chemo+rads, the gifts that keep on giving...

Mike

Tumors of the optic tract affect peripheral vision before they affect central vision .  An informal test - how many fingures do you see? - should be performed. It takes a second or two. Ask about the peipheral vision and tumors along the optic tract. A board certified ophthamaologist missed my wife's tumor for over 9 months, so this is not just a theoretical issue. Sorry  for the scare. Rick.