DR. UMA MAHESHWARI

DR. MODINI PANDHARPURAR

Abstract

Purpose: To report the effects of chemotherapy on the eye.

Method: This 48-year-old gentleman, who was a known case of carcinoma left buccal mucosa, cT4bN2M0, and diabetes, was referred in view of the locally advanced disease reaching the infraorbital region. He was started on Neoadjuvant Cisplatin, Docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil. Definitive chemoradiation was planned after progressive disease despite 4 cycles of chemotherapy. He had complaints of severe dry eyes with blurred vision that relieved on blinking. Visual acuity was 6/9 partial in both eyes, with scattered bilateral trichiasis with marginal entropion due to cicatricial changes and madarosis. There was bilateral blepharitis with canalicular block. Fundoscopy showed dilated veins above and below the disc on the left side. Schirmer’s test was 5 mm on the right eye and 3 mm on the left side.

Conclusion: Ocular side effects of systemic chemotherapy must be addressed early to prevent visual impairment.