Watering eyes post cancer treatment

Life after a breast cancer diagnosis Recovering from treatment
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Hi there,

I am post treatment about a year and a half and I am on Abemaciclib and Anastrozole and Zometa and recently my eyes are constantly watering in both eyes. I am not sure if it’s due to dry eyes are blocked tear ducts after chemo.

It is really annoying and I look like I am crying at times. It gets worse when outside.

Anyone experienced this and what helps?

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Hi, it’s a well known side effect for Abemaciclib. I finished 2 weeks ago and I am already noticing some improvement. I found this side effect embarrassing as sometimes I would have dry salt stains down my face.

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@SL255 Hi there. I had the watery eyes with chemotherapy and it has now recurred with Abemaciclib. It is very annoying! I have mainly had it in my right eye :woman_shrugging:t2: On both occasions I have been given Hypromellose eye drops and these have been very effective. You put in 1 or 2 drops, 3 or 4 times a day depending on how your eyes feel. I was given them in the chemo unit but your GP may be able to prescribe them and I believe you can buy them over the counter, though no reason why you should!

I hope it improves soon!! xx

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My left eye watering all the time since starting Tamoxifen 22months ago. It can be so embarassing and i hear myself constantly explaining to people that im not crying!

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Yes, I had this on chemo. It started to improve two months after I finished. I’m now on Ribociclib and it has started up again. My optician says it is dry eye and gave me Hycosan which does help. It’s a surprisingly annoying side effect…

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Anastrozole can cause dry eyes (which water to try and compensate). I have eye gels prescribed for day and night which help enormously.

I’d speak to your doctor. X

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Thank you all for your advice! I will try a few things that you all recommended!

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Hi there, I finished with Abemaciclib and didn’t have watery eyes as a result of that, but my eyelashes never grew back fully post Chemotherapy, this could be a simple answer for you. I wouldn’t feel too embarassed when you explain to people its because you’ve been through cancer, many are on your side, but i also use it to stress the importance of self checking for the women, who are most appreciative. Moonsox xx

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