One of the little known side effects of taking Tamoxifen is that it can form ‘deposits’ at the back of the eye. I’ve been having annual eye-tests since taking Tamoxifen. I’m over sixty so my eye tests are free but I’m not sure if treatment with Tamoxifen would entitle those under sixty to freebies (if not, why not?).
Anyway, off I go for my eye test and, guess what? I’ve got deposits behind my eye. So optician has to write to my GP and my GP has to write to a Consultant eye surgeon. What, if anything, he will do I’ve no idea. I really don’t want to change from Tamoxifen to Letrozole because I had really bad side-effects when I was on it before.
Has anyone else had this side effect and what happened to you?
Hi
Just to say one of the differences we have in Scotland is free eye tests for all. Should be across the whole of the UK, specially if there are underlying health issues.
Best wishes with getting to the bottom of the problems your’e having
Cathie x
I’ve been on tamoxifen for a year and have noticed my short distance eye sight deterioting a bit but long distance is fine. Dont know if this is anything to do with deposits though. I have a free annual retinal eye test as I’m diabetic which is due next month, so will mention about the tamoxifen and see what they say. Glad you mentioned this side effect. I wouldnt have know about it otherwise.
Dont think general eye tests are free for those in england that have been prescribed tamoxifen, but would be happy to be corrected if wrong.
The optician told me that it normally takes around two to three
years for these ‘deposits’ to take place. I’m not sure what effect they have on eyesight; I feel the eye which is affected does feel different but I don’t know how to describe it exactly. My optician said I am safe to drive (well, medically anyway…lol!).