Eyes and Vision
Dry Eyes and Blephritis
Certain targeted therapies can cause dry eyes and / or exacerbate plugged oil glands in the lower eyelid.
Recommendations
Use lubricating eye drops such as Refresh Plus, (preservative free) , SystaneUltra, Use these frequently during the day.
Warm, moist compresses can help open up, relieve clogged eye oil glands. Bruder “Moist Heat Compress” zapped in the microwave until warm,use it before bed for 10 minutes or so seems to work fairly well.
Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity is an ongoing issue with certain targeted therapies as it is often uncomfortable to go outside without wearing sunglasses.
Recommendations
Have several sets of sunglasses available; a set in your car, near the front door, etc. as the light sensitivity can become rather extreme and thus uncomfortable, but it may lessen over time. It does not completely go away, but you may get “used” to it.
Anti-glare optics or “glasses” may help reduce discomfort when using your computer.
Visual Disturbance
Periodically I experience an effect similar to looking through a scratched lens, which creates streaking, starring or lines of faint spectrum across and at the periphery of my vision. This can be a side effect of a specific targeted therapy. It is more noticeable at night when I am either in the dark and looking into a lighted room or am in a lighted area. It is more of an annoyance but occurs sporadically.
Periodically, I also experience an effect similar to a pre-migraine visual disturbance such as having blank spots, aberrations or distortion of my vision. These transient visual distortions pass in approximately 30 minutes, which is also similar to pre-migraine observations.
Recommendations
Until you become aware of how it affects you, be careful about driving at night and when moving in from large differences in light (ie coming inside after being outside).