Breast cancer can impact eye health through metastasis

Medical specialists are highlighting the connection between breast cancer and ocular health. According to Alexandre Ventura, director of the Instituto de Olhos Fernando Ventura (IOFV), breast cancer is a leading cause of ocular metastasis in women. The disease can spread to various structures, most frequently affecting the choroid—the layer responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to the retina—but it can also impact the orbit and eyelids.

Symptoms that may indicate ocular involvement include vision loss or reduction, perception of light flashes, floating spots or blotches, pain, redness, and image distortion. Experts recommend that patients undergoing treatment or those previously diagnosed remain vigilant for visual changes. Regular eye examinations, such as fundus exams and retina mapping, are essential for early identification and effective treatment management.