20/10/2025                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            Chemotherapy can cause a range of ocular side effects, including dry eyes, blurry vision, light sensitivity, redness, and watering. Some drugs may lead to more serious issues like optic nerve damage, cataracts, or glaucoma, while others can cause changes to eyelashes. Patients should inform their medical team about any vision changes to get a referral to an ophthalmologist.  
Common side effects
• Dry eyes: A gritty or sore feeling due to reduced tear production. This is one of the most common side effects. 
• Watery eyes (excessive tearing): Also called epiphora, this can be caused by a blockage in the tear drainage system or an overproduction of tears. 
• Blurry vision: This can be a side effect of the chemotherapy itself or from other medications like corticosteroids that may be used to manage side effects like nausea. 
• Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, which can cause redness and irritation. 
• Eye irritation: General discomfort, redness, or itchiness. 
More serious side effects
• Optic nerve damage: 
Chemotherapy drugs can damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information to the brain. This is a condition called optic neuropathy. 
• Cataracts: 
Some chemotherapy can promote the development of cataracts, which cause a loss of vision clarity. 
• Glaucoma: 
Severe pressure within the eye that can lead to optic nerve damage. 
• Retinal changes: 
Some treatments can cause retinal hemorrhages, which are often reversible when treatment stops. 
Other effects
• Eyelash and eyebrow changes: Chemotherapy can lead to the loss of eyelashes and eyebrows. 
• Light sensitivity: A heightened sensitivity to light can occur. 
Management and important considerations
• Report all symptoms: 
It is crucial to tell your oncologist and ophthalmologist about any eye or vision changes you experience. 
• Seek immediate medical attention: 
Contact a medical professional immediately if you experience sudden severe eye pain, loss of vision, or visible halos around lights. 
• Use artificial tears: 
Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) can help manage dry eye symptoms. Avoid redness-reducing drops, which can cause a rebound effect. 
• Keep hands clean: 
Wash your hands before touching your eyes or applying eye drops to avoid infection. 
• Avoid rubbing eyes: 
This can cause abrasions and is especially important when eyelashes are lost. 
• Wait for new glasses: 
If you have blurry vision, it is often best to wait a few months after your chemotherapy has finished before getting a new prescription for glasses.