Influence of tamoxifen on ocular morphology and function

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor antagonist, is used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
• Estrogen receptors in ocular structures may lead to tamoxifen-induced ocular side effects.
• This study investigates tamoxifen's impact on ocular morphology and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the effects of tamoxifen on ocular morphology and function.
• To assess changes in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color vision.
• To evaluate corneal topography and retinal structure in patients receiving tamoxifen.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, non-interventional, cross-sectional study design.
• Comprehensive ocular examinations including refractometry, visual acuity, perimetry, OCT, and corneal topography.
• Statistical analysis comparing tamoxifen users to a control group.

Main Results:

• Tamoxifen therapy duration correlated with visual field loss and decreased corneal thickness.
• Patients receiving additional aromatase inhibitors showed reduced visual acuity and contrast vision.
• No significant correlation found between tamoxifen and visual acuity, color vision, or retinal morphology.

Conclusions:

• Tamoxifen intake affects corneal thickness and perimetry, parameters relevant to glaucoma development.
• Regular ophthalmological monitoring for glaucoma is advisable for tamoxifen patients.
• Close monitoring is especially important for tamoxifen patients with pre-existing glaucoma.