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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + eye disease

Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataract or diabetic retinopathy are taken into account during leukaemia treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
An eye
Figure 1.An eye — Leukemia + eye disease

01Short answer

Steroids can raise eye pressure and speed up cataracts. With low platelets, bleeding in the eye is possible; with low white cells, eye infection. Keep using your eye drops and tell your eye doctor about your leukaemia treatment.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your eye doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Steroids and eye pressure: especially important in glaucoma.

Eye bleeding: with very low platelets, bleeding in the retina can occur.

04What happens in the body?

Eye disease and leukaemia

People with eye disease can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and eye disease can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

A closed eye drop bottle
Figure 2.A closed eye drop bottle.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and eye doctor share information, treatment is safer.

Retinal vessels
Figure 3.Retinal vessels — Leukemia + eye disease

05Treatment with eye disease

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Sudden worse visionBleeding or pressureGet help straight away
Red, painful eyeInfectionCall your team
Blurred visionSugar or steroid effectTell your team

07Key terms

Glaucoma
Raised pressure in the eye.
Ophthalmologist
Eye doctor.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I keep my eye drops?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I keep my eye drops?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Eye Diseases
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  3. MedlinePlus. Steroids
  4. New England Journal of Medicine, 2011. The tumor lysis syndrome
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nerve Problems (Peripheral Neuropathy) and Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Memory or Concentration Problems and Cancer Treatment
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Late Effects of Cancer Treatment
  8. ICUsteps. Guide to intensive care: effects on your body
  9. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  10. MedlinePlus. Dietary Supplements
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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