As you’ve heard, the eye is the window to the body. We know that many systemic diseases can affect the eye, but did you know many medications also have side effects that affect your vision? Many new cancer treatments, called immunotherapies, may have ocular side effects.
As with any cancer treatment, doctors must evaluate whether the ocular side effects are detrimental enough to discontinue the drug or if continuation of the therapy is best to save the patient’s life. Often, the oncologist and eye doctor will work together to monitor the eye for changes prior to the next round of treatment.