During tx, I had 'issues' like seeing things in the periphery that weren't there. I also became very sensitive to light and rapid movement like on tv.
I got an eye examination about week 12 and the doc found a 'cotton wool spot.' They are potentially very serious. He chalked it up to aging and I didn't tell him I was on tx. I guess I weighed the dangers and decided not to report anything that might give the other doc cause to terminate tx.
I encourage everyone to get an exam if you experience any type of abnormality. In hindsight, I'd rather have not cleared the virus than have my vision permanently impaired.
Max
I’d be very careful about my eyes with this stuff. Here’s what Schering-Plough’s Peg-intron guide has to say about eye problems:
“Ophthalmologic disorders
Decrease or loss of vision, retinopathy including macular edema, retinal artery or vein thrombosis, retinal hemorrhages and cotton wool spots, optic neuritis, and papilledema may be induced or aggravated by treatment with peg-intron alpha 2b or other alpha interferons. All patients should receive an eye examination at baseline. Patients with preexisting disorders (e.g. diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy) should receive periodic ophthalmologic exams during interferon alpha treatment. Any patient who develops ocular symptoms should receive a prompt and complete eye examination. Pegintron alpha 2b should be discontinued in patients who develop new or worsening ophthalmologic disorders.”
www.spfiles.com/pipeg-intron.pdf
If it were me, I’d consult a doctor prior to injection anymore IFN. You might even want to copy this warning and take it with you in case the doctor is unfamiliar with these problems.
Take care—
Bill
Dry eyes from treatment contribute to a lot of symptoms, even blurry vision. Try some over the counter drops like Refresh Tears and see if that helps.
i had an eye exam prior to tx, and they said my eyes were fine, actually said my eyes were in good shape for my age, i am worried about diabetes as it runs in my family, but i am only on 2nd shot, can things happen already?
Definitely have an optho to have a look and make sure everything is ok, you want to rule out anything serious. That said, make sure you drink lots of water, and lubricating eyedrops, would help too. The meds dry you out big time. I had problems with my corneas, ended up with an eye infection, which I am still treating, and my optical prescription changed twice. Take care.
thank you! appreciate it.
My first few shots I had the same thing. By the end of the evening it was pretty bad but I contribute some it to straining on the eyes by being on the computer a lot, or reading. I am into week 9 of tx and the blurred vision has stopped. So yes I would say its a normal side effects from tx.