Did you know that certain types of breast
cancer treatment medications can cause dry eye symptoms? The class of medications called
“aromatase inhibitors” (AIs) has been studied and found to cause dry eyes.
Fortunately, we also know that this is a newly emerging, and easily treated
side effect of AIs. But we need to know that you are taking one of the AIs in
order to offer help for your dry eyes. Some of the medications in this class
include Arimidex, Aromasin and Femara-although there are many others.
Researchers used a validated questionnaire to assess the presence of Dry Eye
Syndrome (DES). They found that DES is significantly more prevalent in women on
AIs compared with controls. They recommend routine screening of patients on AIs
with the Ocular Surface disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire with the aim of
improving patient quality of life and possibly adherence.
If you or someone you know is being treated for breast
cancer with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and suffers from dry eyes, grittiness or
is generally experiencing eye problems of fatigue or dryness please call The
Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center, Google+ or
facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.
The Eye
Care & Surgery Center is located at 592 Springfield Avenue,
Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059
and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout
central and northern New Jersey.
