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Eye irritation / Blepharitis

Hi

I have noticed that since taking Dasatinib, I frequently feel the need to rub my eyes, as if tired.

I had an eye test today and the optician has noted what she describes as a minor inflammation and infection around the eyelids, upper and lower, with flecks of what I presume to be dried mucous.

It's nothing major, and I have some fluid now to use twice a day (Blephasol), but I was curious as to whether anyone else has had the same reaction on Dasatinib or other TKIs - it tends to make you feel tired, because whe you're tired you do tend to rub your eyes in this way! Maybe if it's cured I won't feel so tired... :-)

I don't seem to get puffy eyes or other fluid retention.

Rod

Hi Rod,

i've had some eye issues while on Tasigna. I've had several styes (sp?) and also my eyes look permanently blood shot with reddened eyelids. I also have a strange skin condition from Tasigna which means skin grows along the base of my hair strands - eyelashes are no exception.

I've also found problems with eye dryness, but have used drops to address this. I had a recently qualified optician lecture me about eye health and care recently - she simply did not get the implications of taking TKIs and side effects. Her response was "have you tried talking to your doctor about changing the medication?"

I look forward to a day when i (all of us) can be off TKIs, but until then the side effects are manageable and a small price to pay for living a ~95% normal life.

Chris

Hi Rod and Chris,
I have had symptoms of sore eyes/itching/redness etc. when I was taking imatinib but as I no longer need to take a TKI I suffer less.

I always use a natural remedy to bathe my eyes when they are tired or sore. My favourite is a homeopathic preparation of calendula and hypericum - its callled HyperCal mother tincture and just a few drops in a warm eye bath always does the trick- even when I think I have some kind of infection. This can be ordered on line from Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy in London.
http://www.ainsworths.com/

Otherwise I suggest a solution of sea salt disolved in hot water. Wait until cool and then use in the same way to bath each eye as often as it takes.

Hope this is helpful, Sandy

Hi Rod
According to the list of side effects of TKIs some eye disorders are quite common .Have been taking imatinib for six years now and always have puffy eyes with eyelid odema or swelling.In addition have blepharitis which is sensitive eyelids for which I use Blephasol.Conjunctivitis comes and goes.I used to get bleeds or conjunctival haemorrage but that has in recent years eased; I always keep a tube of the antibiotic Fucithalmic or Fusidic Acid handy if the red eyes and bleeds become too painful-only available on prescription.Sometimes I use Simple Eye Ointment off prescription which is a bit greasy but it soothes the eyelids and corners of the eyes that get very raw and sore.Some of the eye washes that have plant extracts are soothing as well either from health food shops or I use Boots own brand.
Hot compresses help as do cucumber and cold used tea bags
This is something that we have to tolerate it seems and there is no real cure for eye irritation unless one discontinues the TKI which is not an option I guess.
I have a good optician and have eye pressures monitored on a regular basis and have seen an eye specialist who said that platelet fluctuations can affect pressures.I have been advised that if vision becomes really blurred then that needs to be taken up with a GP or the specialist.
Hope this helps
John W

Thanks for the comments, it's helpful to hear I'm not the only one!

I've also noticed slightly drooping skin around my eyebrows, which are falling a little over my eyelid! It would be better if it was even :-)

I don't know if there's anything I can do about it.

Rod