How Cancer and It's Treatments Can Affect Your Eyes

How Cancer and Its Treatments Can Affect Your Eyes

When we think about the effects of cancer, most of us focus on the body as a whole — but both cancer and its treatments can also impact your eyes and vision. At Mission Creek Optometry, we believe in caring for every aspect of your health, including your eyes, during and after cancer treatment. Understanding these changes can help you take proactive steps to protect your sight and overall well-being.

How Cancer Itself Can Affect the Eyes

Certain cancers can directly involve the eyes or surrounding structures, while others can cause symptoms that appear in the eyes even if the cancer begins elsewhere.

• Eye or orbital cancers – These develop in the eye or tissues around it, sometimes leading to vision changes, eye bulging, or discomfort.

• Metastatic cancer – Cancers such as breast or lung cancer can occasionally spread to the eye, causing blurred vision, floaters, or vision loss in advanced cases.

• Blood cancers (like leukemia or lymphoma) – These can affect the retina or optic nerve, leading to bleeding inside the eye, swelling, or spots that interfere with sight.

How Cancer Treatments Can Impact Vision

Cancer treatments are lifesaving, but they can sometimes affect the eyes. The type and severity of changes depend on the treatment used and your individual response.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy travels throughout the body, so it can reach the eyes and cause:

• Dryness or watery eyes

• Light sensitivity

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Increased risk of eye infections
  In rare cases, some drugs can cause more serious effects, like optic nerve or retinal damage.

Radiation Therapy

When radiation targets areas near the head or face, it may lead to:

• Cataract formation (clouding of the lens)

• Reduced tear production and dry eyes

• Retinal or optic nerve damage

• Changes to eyelid tissue or eyelashes

Hormone or Immunotherapy

Newer therapies that alter hormones or boost the immune system can occasionally cause eye inflammation (uveitis), double vision, or eye pain.

Protecting Your Eyes During Cancer Treatment

If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, there are steps you can take to help maintain healthy vision:

• Schedule regular eye exams – Before, during, and after treatment to monitor for early changes.

• Report new symptoms promptly – Don’t wait for your next visit if you notice blurriness, floaters, or light sensitivity.

• Use lubricating eye drops – Artificial tears can ease dryness and irritation.

• Wear sunglasses – Protect your eyes from sunlight and UV damage.

• Stay in touch with your care team – Your oncologist and optometrist can work together to adjust treatment or recommend solutions if vision issues arise.

Comprehensive Eye Care at Mission Creek Optometry

At Mission Creek Optometry, we understand that your vision is an essential part of your quality of life — especially during health challenges like cancer treatment. Our optometrists work closely with your medical team to monitor and manage any eye-related side effects, helping you maintain comfort and clarity every step of the way.

If you’re undergoing cancer treatment or have noticed changes in your vision, we encourage you to book an appointment with us today.
Together, we can help protect your sight and support your overall well-being.