Vision and Eye Problems
Though not a common side effect, breast cancer treatment may affect your eyes, including your vision.
Eye problems may include:
red, itchy, or dry eyes
watery eyes
conjunctivitis (pink eye)
blurry or double vision
seeing dark spots
Breast cancer treatments that may cause eye problems are:
chemotherapy:
some hormonal therapies:
Some pain medications also can cause eye problems
Managing eye problems
If you have vision problems, it can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Call your doctor right away if you notice that you're having trouble seeing or if your vision changes.
If your eyes are dry, red, or itchy:
Try to blink frequently, especially if you spend long hours looking at a computer screen. This can help lubricate your eyes.
Ask your doctor if artificial tears or eye drops would help soothe your eyes.
Consider wearing your glasses instead of contact lenses — not wearing contact lenses may help ease eye irritation.
To help reduce your risk of getting pink eye or another eye infection:
Avoid rubbing your eyes — you could spread germs into your eye or make any irritation worse.
Wash your hands before you touch your eyes.
— Last updated on January 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM
