visual side effects of Femara

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Theresanne
Theresanne Member Posts: 90
edited August 2016 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Just wondering if anyone has experienced vitreal detachment/retinal tear after being on this drug Femara. I have been on this drug for almost five years and have suffered from every side effect listed...but will not stop using it. I can deal with them uf I have to. I have read about other women suffering from visual disturbances, maybe from femara? Anyway, I came here because I am scared. Last week, saw some floaters and a flash in right eye, usually triggered by moving my eye quickly. I have had ocular migraines in the past and terrible chronic sinusitis for years. This new symptom has me scared. I am scheduled to see my eye doctor in a few days..but if anyone can offer me some positive support, Id appreciate it. Any experience with this that turned out to be something benign....now fearing the worst. And please, I do not want to be rude....but only some positive thoughts here please...I have a big few days ahead with my children and I need to get through them...so no horror stories...Im sure you understand....I just need some support right now...very scared.

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  • GraceB1
    GraceB1 Member Posts: 213
    edited August 2016

    My eye Dr is watching me as I have flashes from vitreal detachment but the retina has not detached. He said detachment only happens in a small percentage of cases but I've been in that percentage before. I have a recheck scheduled in two weeks.

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  • Theresanne
    Theresanne Member Posts: 90
    edited August 2016

    Thanks for responding! If its not too much trouble....can you describe your flashes? thanks again...

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited August 2016

    About 2-3 years into Femara, I had one flashing episode which proved to be a very minor tear. My ophthalmologist did extensive exams, and noted "latticing" around the retina, which apparently is not uncommon, but can be associated with retinal tears. We did a watchful waiting thing, and I was checked every 6 months during my remaining time on Femara (I did 5 years.) It never worsened, and I never had another flashing episode.

    I'm now 3 years out from Femara, and at my most recent appointment this spring, the dr noted that the latticing had improved and she wasn't that concerned any more. I'm back to routine annual appointments.

    Hope that helps!

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  • Theresanne
    Theresanne Member Posts: 90
    edited August 2016

    Thanks Natfan! and Grace! my little "flash " appears when I look up quickly...only. Started about a week ago after bad allergy bout..rubbing eyes! Scary...needed some support to get my son off to college this weekend...so I dont fall completely apart with worry on top of it all...thought this may be the place to go...thank you! Any other input is surely welcome at this point...you know how this

    vicious cycle

    goes...

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited August 2016

    Theresanne - have you had your appointment yet? Hopefully your opthamologist was able to work with you on this.

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