Ocular disorders in multiple myeloma patients: cross-sectional study of prevalence and association with treatment

Leuk Lymphoma. 2019 Feb;60(2):477-482. doi: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1480770. Epub 2018 Jul 22.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) therapy is evolving, and several new drugs are now available, extending patients' life and exposure to different compounds and toxicities. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study enrolling 93 consecutive patients on active treatment for MM, aiming to assess their ocular complications. All the patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation. In our cohort, prevalence of low visual acuity was in line with similar age healthy population reported in registry studies. Interestingly, we recorded a higher prevalence of lens opacities (46%) and dry eye syndrome (53%). Nevertheless, we did not find any significant association between ocular disorders and anti-myeloma treatments, even steroid therapy. This observation suggests that other factors besides treatments, such as M-protein deposition in eye structures, may have a role in developing ocular toxicities. Since MM patients are elderly patients at higher risk of age-related eye disorders, we recommend periodic ophthalmic assessment in daily practice.

Keywords: Multiple myeloma; ocular disorders; toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Eye Diseases / diagnosis
  • Eye Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Eye Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / complications*
  • Multiple Myeloma / epidemiology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Odds Ratio
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors