Aa
Eye problems
my left eye has been driving me crazy for the last few days, i wear contacts and it just feels like there is something in there... took the contact out and still feels like there is something scratching my eye... my eyes are itching and watering also ....could be allergies but i know that there is some risk of eye problems with the interfuron, what are the symptoms of these eye problems? my only complaint is itching/watering and it feels like there is something in my eye, dirt, eyelash washed it out several times and it still feels like there is something in there...
Welcome to the forum.
Just a couple of questions ...
Do you have Hepatitis C?
Are you on treatment for Hepatitis C?
I ask because Hepatitis C can cause dry eyes and irritated eyes. It can cause autoimmune disorders which have symptoms of dry eye.
Hepatitis C treatment can also cause dry eyes and irritated eyes.
I would suggest seeing an Opthamologist as soon as possible. Tell him/her your history and any treatment or drugs you are taking. If you have Hepatitis C, also have him/her or your regular doctor test you for autoimmune disorders, including Sjogren's Disease.
I have had dry and irritated eyes (like sand in them) since before Hep C treatment. I was started on Restasis eye drops over 2 years ago. (The over the counter drops did not work.) I am still on the Restasis even though I finished Hep C treatment Aug. 2012. I have recently been diagnosed with Sjogren's Disease which has the classic symptom of dry eye.
Be sure you see an Opthamologist (not an optician or optometrist).
Best of luck.
Just a couple of questions ...
Do you have Hepatitis C?
Are you on treatment for Hepatitis C?
I ask because Hepatitis C can cause dry eyes and irritated eyes. It can cause autoimmune disorders which have symptoms of dry eye.
Hepatitis C treatment can also cause dry eyes and irritated eyes.
I would suggest seeing an Opthamologist as soon as possible. Tell him/her your history and any treatment or drugs you are taking. If you have Hepatitis C, also have him/her or your regular doctor test you for autoimmune disorders, including Sjogren's Disease.
I have had dry and irritated eyes (like sand in them) since before Hep C treatment. I was started on Restasis eye drops over 2 years ago. (The over the counter drops did not work.) I am still on the Restasis even though I finished Hep C treatment Aug. 2012. I have recently been diagnosed with Sjogren's Disease which has the classic symptom of dry eye.
Be sure you see an Opthamologist (not an optician or optometrist).
Best of luck.
Hello people, I've been having the redness, the itching, and the dirt/sand feeling for going on two weeks, I recently got some Eye drops from Walgreens and it only helps for a while, my eye is always leakin please help me its driving me nuts
I finished my treatment for Hep C about 8 years ago and have been good to go . I get rechecked about every 2 years. One problem I have been having for the past 3 or 4 years is with my eyes. They water up to the point of flowing and will crust over making it difficult to see. I am constintly having to wipe them clean , they will drain into my nasal passages. I have to always clear my throat and after eating a meal will have to cough to clear my throat as if I have a cold. I would like to know if this is normal after be treated for Hep C . I was treated with Pegasus and the treatment was for 9 months with a combination of weekly shots and daily pills.
Thank you
Thank you
My hepatologist had me get a baseline retina examination -- this is not done by any opthamologist, but by a retina specialist. I have another appointment with him the end of October after two months on interferon. I was glad this heppo had me do that.
My eyes too have been getting blurry and I have had 2 occular migraines in the past couple of weeks (they don't hurt, I just get the color strobing for about a half hour) I don't know that it is interferon related, but I intend to ask at that appointment. I do not think I have had any cotton wool spots or hemorraging but I will ask him how one would know.
frijole
pj - it would be a good idea to get this checked out.
frijole
My eyes too have been getting blurry and I have had 2 occular migraines in the past couple of weeks (they don't hurt, I just get the color strobing for about a half hour) I don't know that it is interferon related, but I intend to ask at that appointment. I do not think I have had any cotton wool spots or hemorraging but I will ask him how one would know.
frijole
pj - it would be a good idea to get this checked out.
frijole
http://www.aidsmap.com/Pegylated-interferon-can-cause-serious-eye-problems-in-HIVHCV-coinfected-patients-says-study/page/1418821/
Treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2b (PegIntron) and ribavirin can cause serious eye problems in individuals coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus according to an article published in the September 3rd edition of AIDS.The US investigators recommend that patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C and treated with pegylated interferon and ribarvirin receive regular ophthalmic monitoring.
Optic neuropathy, including retinal haemorrhage, cotton wool spots and decreased colour vision have been reported in individuals receiving interferon therapy who are monoinfected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. However, these are the first cases to be reported of serious eye problems developing in HIV and hepatitis C coinfected patients receiving therapy with pegylated interferon.
A total of 23 patients were included in the investigators’ analysis. All had received at least twelve weeks of pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin in an open-label, prospective trial at a National Institutes of Health facility.
Eye examinations included visual acuity, visual field testing, and a colour vision examination. In addition, indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed at baseline, then at least every three months or when the need was suggested by symptoms.
At baseline the patients had a median CD4 cell count of 553 cells/mm3, a median HIV viral load of below 50 copies/ml and a median hepatitis C viral load of over 1,000,000 copies/ml.
Eight individuals (35% of the study population) developed ophthalmologic pathology during hepatitis C treatment, including six patients who developed cotton wool spots, indicative of retinal haemorrhage. These were detected at the week twelve ophthalmoscopy, and "waxed and waned while [hepatitis C] therapy was continued." In addition, two patients developed cataracts. Hepatitis C treatment was continued in these individuals and the cataracts remained stable both during and after therapy.
Decreases in red-green colour vision were detected in two patients. One patient discontinued hepatitis C treatment and within ten weeks of its cessation this individual’s colour vision had returned to normal. Colour vision returned to normal in the other patient at week 23 of hepatitis C treatment without any cessation of therapy.
“The rapid development of serious ocular pathology in our coinfected patients demonstrates a concerning phenomenon associated with peglyated interferon and ribavirin therapy for hepatitis C virus” write the investigators. They add “both cotton wool spots and cataracts developed in several patients soon after beginning therapy. These lesions occurred in patients with high CD4 cell counts and in patients with and without comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.”
The investigators cannot say which factors led to the development of these serious eye problems in their patients, and note that there were no differences in the CD4 cell count, HIV viral load, or hepatitis C viral load between the patients who did and did not develop ophthalmologic pathologies. They note that a much larger cohort of patients would be needed to determine if any of these factors were significant. They also speculate that pegylated interferon could induce an immune response leading to retinal ganglion cell toxicities in susceptible individuals.
The investigators conclude, “routine ophthalmologic monitoring in persons receiving pegylated interferon and ribavirin may be warranted in order to optimize the benefit from current anti-hepatitis C virus therapy.”
Treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2b (PegIntron) and ribavirin can cause serious eye problems in individuals coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus according to an article published in the September 3rd edition of AIDS.The US investigators recommend that patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C and treated with pegylated interferon and ribarvirin receive regular ophthalmic monitoring.
Optic neuropathy, including retinal haemorrhage, cotton wool spots and decreased colour vision have been reported in individuals receiving interferon therapy who are monoinfected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. However, these are the first cases to be reported of serious eye problems developing in HIV and hepatitis C coinfected patients receiving therapy with pegylated interferon.
A total of 23 patients were included in the investigators’ analysis. All had received at least twelve weeks of pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin in an open-label, prospective trial at a National Institutes of Health facility.
Eye examinations included visual acuity, visual field testing, and a colour vision examination. In addition, indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed at baseline, then at least every three months or when the need was suggested by symptoms.
At baseline the patients had a median CD4 cell count of 553 cells/mm3, a median HIV viral load of below 50 copies/ml and a median hepatitis C viral load of over 1,000,000 copies/ml.
Eight individuals (35% of the study population) developed ophthalmologic pathology during hepatitis C treatment, including six patients who developed cotton wool spots, indicative of retinal haemorrhage. These were detected at the week twelve ophthalmoscopy, and "waxed and waned while [hepatitis C] therapy was continued." In addition, two patients developed cataracts. Hepatitis C treatment was continued in these individuals and the cataracts remained stable both during and after therapy.
Decreases in red-green colour vision were detected in two patients. One patient discontinued hepatitis C treatment and within ten weeks of its cessation this individual’s colour vision had returned to normal. Colour vision returned to normal in the other patient at week 23 of hepatitis C treatment without any cessation of therapy.
“The rapid development of serious ocular pathology in our coinfected patients demonstrates a concerning phenomenon associated with peglyated interferon and ribavirin therapy for hepatitis C virus” write the investigators. They add “both cotton wool spots and cataracts developed in several patients soon after beginning therapy. These lesions occurred in patients with high CD4 cell counts and in patients with and without comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension.”
The investigators cannot say which factors led to the development of these serious eye problems in their patients, and note that there were no differences in the CD4 cell count, HIV viral load, or hepatitis C viral load between the patients who did and did not develop ophthalmologic pathologies. They note that a much larger cohort of patients would be needed to determine if any of these factors were significant. They also speculate that pegylated interferon could induce an immune response leading to retinal ganglion cell toxicities in susceptible individuals.
The investigators conclude, “routine ophthalmologic monitoring in persons receiving pegylated interferon and ribavirin may be warranted in order to optimize the benefit from current anti-hepatitis C virus therapy.”
Well I just HAVE to post. Finally a SE that I don't have. I think I'll need my contact strength changed. A little blurry. I figured I'd wait til after tx. I do get dry but it's an annual fall thing. Good luck n keep up posted. Karen :)
yup dry eye issues due to treatment my corneas were very irritated got some drops no contacts for a week or two at least but thinking i will just stick to the glasses for a while....that was freaking painful lol
I have had dry eye problems since the start of triple tx w/ INC. I know for me I have to use eye-drops (OTC for Lasik ) several times a day or my lids stick to my eyeballs. Drinking tons of water will help this too and make sure you are not drinking any caffeine because it can dehydrate you. I think the cause of this is the Peg. My vision has changed too in the last 5 weeks and can barely see very well to drive. I did call my optometrist and he wont even look at me until I am done with treatment. He said that when patients are on chemo the eyes can change significantly, and I really should go see a Ophthalmologist, first since they have more medical knowledge of eye disease ect. If you are currently waring contact lens, I would be careful and make sure your eyes dont get dry, you could develop a tare or ulcer.. (Just from past experience with contact lens) I am not a doctor, so you might see your ophthalmologist. Take care of those eyes! Carrie
My only problem, is that all the eye problems from the interferon...never went away for me. I have had chronic raw, irritated dry eyes with the feeling of a foreign body...on and off for ten years now, since my SVR. It never got better..in fact, I think its slowly getting worse. Its a symptom that really aggravates me. I hate dealing with sore scratchy, gritty eyes all the time.....it interferes with everything...even just sitting and relaxing.
DoubleDose
DoubleDose
Eye problems and dryness are the worst but are super prevalent with interferon and Riba. Really all you can do is get a good eye drop and keep your eyes as wet as you can for comfort. Also, you may want to give up the contacts for glasses for a few months. I know it's especially hard for some people as they're so used to wearing contacts and it will definitely cramp your style but it's only for a short time and then you can go back to wearing them. Good luck and God Bless!!
I just downloaded this:
~~~Rarely, interferon may cause eye problems. Symptoms may include dry, itchy, bloodshot eyes, burning eyes, decreased vision, blurry vision, poor night vision and blind spots.
All women with high blood pressure or diabetes need to undergo an eye exam prior to beginning interferon therapy. Anyone who develops any visual disturbances while on interferon should report this symptom immediately to their doctor. Dry, itchy, bloodshot eyes may be treated with over-the–counter saline eye drops or Natural Tears. When eye problems are accompanied by decreased vision, evaluation by an ophthalmologist is necessary. In these circumstances, interferon may need to be discontinued, depending upon the severity of symptoms. Typically eye problems resolve once interferon use is stopped. ~~~~
My own comment - Interferon is also associated with thyroid problems and hyperthyroidism is associated with eye problems on its own. These are the same symptoms I had when my Graves was diagnosed. I have never taken interferon. Refreshtears helps every morning. Let the opthalmologist know if you would like to avoid steroids. Many of the drops that are prescribed do have a steroid and/or antibiotic in them I believe.
~~~Rarely, interferon may cause eye problems. Symptoms may include dry, itchy, bloodshot eyes, burning eyes, decreased vision, blurry vision, poor night vision and blind spots.
All women with high blood pressure or diabetes need to undergo an eye exam prior to beginning interferon therapy. Anyone who develops any visual disturbances while on interferon should report this symptom immediately to their doctor. Dry, itchy, bloodshot eyes may be treated with over-the–counter saline eye drops or Natural Tears. When eye problems are accompanied by decreased vision, evaluation by an ophthalmologist is necessary. In these circumstances, interferon may need to be discontinued, depending upon the severity of symptoms. Typically eye problems resolve once interferon use is stopped. ~~~~
My own comment - Interferon is also associated with thyroid problems and hyperthyroidism is associated with eye problems on its own. These are the same symptoms I had when my Graves was diagnosed. I have never taken interferon. Refreshtears helps every morning. Let the opthalmologist know if you would like to avoid steroids. Many of the drops that are prescribed do have a steroid and/or antibiotic in them I believe.
I had theeye "scratching" feeling during TX..The dreaded lama lashes growing inward towards the eye. Think my opthamologist diagnosed it as Trichiasis.(went away after finishing TX)
pro
pro
My contacts drove me nuts during treatment - deyhdration is the biggest key here. It doesn't sound to me like that cotton wool eye tspots thing we are warned about though from interferon. Of course, if it is a problem you should consult your doctor (but you know that ;)
I have had horrible dryness in my eyes and it sounds like what you have described. Serious eye problems can be a side effect so I would. Avoid rubbing and get try to address the problem. Mine feel like they are under control with genteel medium to moderate drops 2 or 3 times a day. I am seeing the eye doc today just to be safe.
Be careful while rubbing your eyes, so you don't accidentally scratch them further. It does sound like classic dry eyes BUT, I have Iritis, which has that same sensation of a single grain of sand rolling around your eyeball. I agree with Pooh, make your eye doc aware of what's going on ASAP. Try some artifical tears (I prefer Refresh Plus), to see if you get any relief. If you have any sensitivity to light, that would also indicate something a scratch to your retina, cornea or iris. Although....the pain from that would have had you at the doc by now, so it's probably just dry eyes. These meds are dehydrating so you want to make sure your eyes are okay throughout tx.
I too had problems during tx. My eyes would be so dry in the mornings that I could barely open them because it felt as if they were burning. They were very itchy, blurry at times, and watery.
I finished a week ago yesterday and I still have dry eyes and dry throat, and it will take a while to get back to normal. I went through this in 2004 and the symptoms were exactly the same.
Since you are having more problems with your left eye, I definitely suggest you have your eyes checked just to make sure there is nothing there. Since your eyes are so dry, your contact lens might have scratched it, and that will make it feel as if you have something in there.
I too wear contacts and I could not use them during my first treatment, this time around I knew what to expect, so I wear my glasses.
You have to remember, we are literally poisoning our bodies with these meds, they are very harsh. It's chemo what we give our bodies and it will kill the bad cells and hurt the good ones too.
Hang in there, this too will go away once you finish tx.
Best of luck.
I finished a week ago yesterday and I still have dry eyes and dry throat, and it will take a while to get back to normal. I went through this in 2004 and the symptoms were exactly the same.
Since you are having more problems with your left eye, I definitely suggest you have your eyes checked just to make sure there is nothing there. Since your eyes are so dry, your contact lens might have scratched it, and that will make it feel as if you have something in there.
I too wear contacts and I could not use them during my first treatment, this time around I knew what to expect, so I wear my glasses.
You have to remember, we are literally poisoning our bodies with these meds, they are very harsh. It's chemo what we give our bodies and it will kill the bad cells and hurt the good ones too.
Hang in there, this too will go away once you finish tx.
Best of luck.
I did have an eye exam right before i went on treatment... i think dry eye is part of the problem too didnt think of that
If I was you I would go and see my eye doctor. You should have had a baseline eye exam by an eye doctor prior to starting triple med treatment. If I was you I would go back to that eye doctor for another exam and tell him your symptoms.
I went on Wellbutrin in May and a few weeks later (July) I started getting some blurring in my right eye and some irritation. One side effect of Wellbutrin is dry eyes. My eye doctor put me on Systane eye drops. By late August I had itching, feeling like something was in my eyes, burning. In late August I saw my eye doctor again and this time he put me on Lotemax eye drops (steroid) (for a month) and Restasis (Clindamycin) eye drops until I am off the triple med treatment. I had not yet started the triple med treatment but he knew I was going to start it and he did not want to risk any more problems with the eyes (knowing full well the triple med treatment can cause eye problems). The irritation/inflammation clear up almost within a couple of days and all of the symptoms went away too. I continue to instill the Restasis eye drops every 12 hours. My eyes feel fine now.
I went on Wellbutrin in May and a few weeks later (July) I started getting some blurring in my right eye and some irritation. One side effect of Wellbutrin is dry eyes. My eye doctor put me on Systane eye drops. By late August I had itching, feeling like something was in my eyes, burning. In late August I saw my eye doctor again and this time he put me on Lotemax eye drops (steroid) (for a month) and Restasis (Clindamycin) eye drops until I am off the triple med treatment. I had not yet started the triple med treatment but he knew I was going to start it and he did not want to risk any more problems with the eyes (knowing full well the triple med treatment can cause eye problems). The irritation/inflammation clear up almost within a couple of days and all of the symptoms went away too. I continue to instill the Restasis eye drops every 12 hours. My eyes feel fine now.
If it continues you should definatly tell your Dr.I suffered from dry eyes for years,always felt like there was something in there scratchy and felt like sand in my eyes and always watering..After a visit to the eye dr he did the tests and concluded chronic dry eye.I have been using restasis now for 3 months.Its wonderful!!!!!If you have chronic dry eyes maybe the interferon is aggrivating it.Could also be the shape of your eyes making contact with your contacts.This is why I cant wear them. cindy
I get the same burning and watering in both eyes for 3 to 4 days after inf shot its not constant but more frequent on day1 and slowly prgresses downward to the 4 day mark. I have not found anything for relief except to ride it out. I know that this isn't much help but at least you know you are not alone.
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