[breadcrumb]
Can Mesothelioma Lead to Eye Problems?
Mesothelioma has an indirect link to vision problems because of complications that can occur during chemotherapy or other forms of cancer treatment. Additionally, mesothelioma can potentially metastasize to the brain, and the formation of brain tumors can lead to vision-related symptoms.
The medical condition known as mesothelioma refers to a rare form of cancer growing upon the body’s mesothelial linings, which cover certain organs[1]. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this disease, and it affects the pleural lining surrounding the lungs. Primary mesothelioma can also develop on the mesothelium surrounding the stomach (peritoneum) and heart (pericardium), although these conditions are much more rare.
Neither asbestos exposure nor mesothelioma have a direct link to eye problems. Asbestos fibers can cause minor irritation of the eye, but this incidence rarely results in permanent damage[2].
None of any of the type of mesotheliomas’ symptoms contribute directly to eye problems, either[3]. General fatigue is possible, which can result in blurred vision or light intolerance[4], but these symptoms are secondary to the body’s attempt to fight the cancer cells and continue functioning normally despite their growth on major organs.
However, chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment are definitely known to create temporary eye problems[5]. Cataracts can develop, which refers to cloudiness or growths on the eyes’ lens. Redness, swelling, dry eyes, glaucoma, light sensitivity, and wateriness can also result from chemotherapy treatment.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy with certain drugs may notice secondary symptoms of these conditions. Common eye problems after mesothelioma chemotherapy include: blurred vision, loss of areas of vision, seeing rings or halos around light sources, dulled vision reducing color intensity, and a general mistiness or lack of clarity[6].
Some patients may even experience eye changes that change their lens prescription if they use corrective eyewear[7].
Many of these symptoms will be temporary for patients undergoing treatment, but experts advise contacting your doctor as soon as possible in the event of sudden eye changes, pain, or an ongoing eye infection6. Cancers affecting the brain or central nervous system or cancers that require radiation treatment on the head/neck area have a higher likelihood of resulting in these symptoms.
Outside of chemotherapy side effects, the only other way mesothelioma can cause eye problems is if it metastasizes to the brain. A brain tumor can create a range of sensory symptoms that extends to blurred or altered vision[8]. However, mesothelioma rarely metastasizes to the brain, only occurring in about 3% of cases[9].
In conclusion, mesothelioma can indirectly cause eye problems through complications from chemotherapy treatment, radiation, or brain metastases. There is currently no known connection or symptom that would cause mesothelioma to cause vision problems directly.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022
[2] https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/asbestos.html
[3] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
[4] https://www.everydayhealth.com/g00/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/vision-problems.aspx?i10c.ua=1&i10c.encReferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8%3d&i10c.dv=15
[5] http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/eye-problems.aspx
[6] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/side-effects/eyes
[7] https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/cancerwise/protecting-your-eyes-during-cancer-treatment.h00-158755479.html
[8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350084
[9] http://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2017.35.15_suppl.8556
