Eye problems
What are eye problems?
The eye is made up of different parts, including the lens, the retina, and the optic nerve. Light that enters the lens forms an inverted image on the retina. The retina then sends this image through the optic nerve to the brain, which turns the image the right way up.
Sometimes eye problems develop that can cause reduced vision, such as:
Cataract: the lens becomes cloudy
Damaged tear ducts: watery eyes
Low tear production: dry eyes
Inflamed cornea
Damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes
Damaged retina
Damaged optic nerve
Chronic pain in the eye
Damaged tear gland: dry eyes that may become damaged over time
Am I at increased risk of eye problems?
Anyone, including people who have never had cancer, can develop eye problems. However, some cancer treatments can increase this risk.
The following treatments can increase the risk of eye problems:
Any dose of radiotherapy to the eye(s), the eye socket(s), or an area that includes the eyes
Treatment with radioactive iodine (I-131), which increases the risk of narrowing or shrinking of the tear ducts
Long-term use of corticosteroids, which increases the risk of cataracts
You can check the summary of your treatment to see whether you received one or more of these treatments. If you do not have a summary, you can contact the LATER clinic or the hospital where you were treated. Eye problems do not always result from treatment; there may also be other causes.
What are the symptoms and signs of eye problems?
Certain symptoms and signs may indicate eye problems. Even if you do not have these symptoms now, it is important to recognise them in case they occur in the future.
The following symptoms and signs may indicate eye problems:
Blurred or distorted vision
Sensitivity to light
Pain, itching, or a burning sensation in one or both eyes
Watery eyes
Reduced vision or loss of vision
If you recognise any of these symptoms or signs, contact your GP, optician, or LATER doctor.
I am at increased risk of eye problems. What tests do I need and when?
If you are at increased risk of eye problems, the recommendation is to:
have your eyes examined at least every 5 years
make an appointment with your GP or LATER doctor at least every 5 years
What happens if I have eye problems?
If you have eye problems, your GP or LATER doctor will usually refer you to a specialist. Depending on your symptoms, this may be a:
Ophthalmologist (eye specialist)
Optician (specialist in glasses and contact lenses)
The specialist will discuss possible treatment options with you.
What else can I do?
Living with (an increased risk of) eye problems can be difficult. Talking with friends and family may help. Contact with others in a similar situation can also be supportive, for example through a patient organisation such as VOX, part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association.
Take good care of yourself. Although a healthy lifestyle does not always reduce the risk of eye problems, it is still important. Also take care of your mental wellbeing. Small changes can already have a positive effect on your physical and mental health. If you have questions or concerns after reading this information, contact your GP or LATER doctor.
Where can I find more information?
On the LATER website you can also find information about:
Healthy lifestyle
Mental health
The PanCare Plain Language Summaries provide links to reliable information in English. You can also search online for information about eye problems, but remember that such information is not always accurate or up to date.
Disclaimer
This information is based on the lay summary of the guideline created by the PanCare Plain Information Group and adapted where necessary to the Dutch LATER guideline. Do not rely solely on this information if you have symptoms; always contact your GP, LATER doctor, or specialist.