Eyes

nsebesta · 09-01-2015, 08:21 AM

Hello all - it's been a while since I've posed so a quick update. I took myself off of Herceptin last June ('14) after 10 years and no recurrence. I am still NED (praise God).
While on chemo I really had a lot of problems with my eyes watering. I haven't experienced that in a long time until recently. I am 55 years old and I realize some of the things happening to my body are because of age, but was wondering if anyone else has trouble with dry eyes. That's what they say is wrong and my eyes are over compensating by tearing so much.

Just wondering if it is a side effect from past chemo. Also wondering if anyone has had this problem how do you handle it? I drink water, use drops and take Omega 3's. Anything else I can do???

Nancy

jaykay · 09-01-2015, 08:53 AM

Hi - I had major tearing when I was on TCH and it continued with Herceptin alone. I have a permanently blocked tear duct from the taxotere and can tolerate it. Other eye is fine

I'd see your eye doctor. They have different drops that are in use now that may work better

tricia keegan · 09-01-2015, 12:10 PM

I had this too all through chemo but didn't find a remedy but it did stop some time afterwards.

Pat94 · 09-01-2015, 05:12 PM

Hi. I have had dry eyes since Lasik surgery over 15 years ago. I take Restasis for it which was all I needed until chemo. It is prescription so you will need to see a Dr. In fall of 14 I had chemo. First my vision was damaged - now I have to wear glasses to drive which I hadn't had to do since the Lasik. Then I developed pink eye - conjunctivitis. After the normal ointment it returned a few days later. Same thing. After it came back for the 3rd time the chemo Dr. realized it was chemo damage to my tear ducts. Turns out it was Blepharitis. I was referred to the cancer center's ophthalmologist & I am still being treated for it &/or dry eyes caused by damage from the chemo. In addition to Restasis I was switched from over the counter artificial tears to ones made from my own blood - serum eye drops. If I have taken all the doses I am allowed & am still up I have the OTC non-preservative drops as the fall back. Since I use the 1st 2 medicines 8 times a day I usually don't need the OTC ones. The ophthalmologist also put pugs in both eyes to prevent the tears from washing away so quickly. It has been pretty awful for me but they are improving. I don't have as much photosensitivity and my eyes aren't wretchedly painful all the time they are open. They are still uncomfortable and I can't read for pleasure but I can see well enough to work (everything I read or write I blow up to a large font) and I can drive myself there and back. I still see an ophthalmologist monthly and have to face cataract surgery much sooner than I would have. My remaining cataract became much worse than it was before chemo. I pray this isn't a chemo side effect that never goes away but I will admit it has been the pits for me. Good luck to you. Start with the Restasis and go from there as needed.

nsebesta · 09-10-2015, 08:44 AM

Thanks ladies