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Vision Changes After Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Hsiao-Lan Wang1,2, Megan Heskett3, Peng Li1
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Head & Neck
|March 14, 2025
Summary
Head and neck cancer patients often experience vision problems. This study found significant differences in visual function and ocular symptoms in patients reporting vision changes after treatment, highlighting the need for screening.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Cancer Survivorship
Background:
- Limited research exists on ocular toxicity following head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment.
- Ocular side effects can significantly impact quality of life for HNC survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and describe visual function and ocular symptoms in patients treated for head and neck cancer.
- To identify potential correlations between treatment and visual impairment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Participants completed the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) and an Ocular Symptom Scale via email.
- Descriptive statistics and comparative tests (chi-square, t-tests) analyzed vision change and non-vision change groups.
Main Results:
- A response rate of 26% (126/485) was achieved, with 114 participants completing the surveys.
- Patients reporting vision changes had significantly lower NEI-VFQ scores (p < 0.001).
- All assessed ocular symptoms showed significant differences between the vision change and non-vision change groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a significant impact of HNC treatment on visual function and ocular health.
- Given the findings and existing literature gap, routine vision screening for HNC survivors is recommended.
- Early detection and management of visual complications can improve patient outcomes.
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